COLLINGWOOD veteran Travis Varcoe has indicated he wants to play in the Magpies' qualifying final against West Coast after the tragic passing of his sister in Adelaide last week.

Varcoe was back at the club on Monday after his sister lost her fight for life on Thursday, four days after she suffered a head injury during a football game.

A date for her funeral is yet to be finalised.

Varcoe will be given all the time he needs to decide whether he's up to facing the Eagles, but it is understood he has told the club he is keen to play.

Meanwhile, captain Scott Pendlebury has declared himself a certain starter for the trip west after being taken to hospital with a mystery viral illness last Tuesday.

GET TO THE GAME All your finals ticketing info

He said the club would rally around Varcoe and his family.

"We wrap our hands around him. We love the bloke. We really care for him and his family," he said.

"If he plays this weekend that's fantastic. If he doesn't play we know why. It's a game of football.

"Trav's got bigger things with his family he needs to deal with.

"Trav's been around long enough now that if he thinks he's right to play no doubt he'll play and if he thinks he needs some time he'll take some time.

"We understand that and support him."

Teammate Will Hoskin-Elliott also said the 30-year-old was preparing to play on Saturday.

"I spoke to Trav today and he said he's coping well ... I think he'll play," he said.

Podcast: The flop of the season

Find AFL Exchange on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.