Collingwood could be strengthened by the return of up to four first-choice players for Thursday night’s clash with Adelaide.

The Magpies assessed Nick Maxwell (back), Alan Toovey (hamstring), Clinton Young (leg) and Alex Fasolo (foot) during a two-hour training session at Olympic Park Oval on Tuesday. The group got through unscathed and could all line up against the Crows in the Round Nine opener at Adelaide Oval.

Sam Dwyer is also likely to play after sustaining a knee injury in Collingwood’s 34-point win over Carlton a fortnight ago.

Despite the good news on the injury front, Pies coach Nathan Buckley said team balance remained the most important factor at selection.

"We've got a squad of senior personnel who are putting their hands up," he said.

"The four guys who missed last week (Round Seven) have basically passed fitness tests and are clear to play," Buckley said.

"We've probably got a squad of 28 or 29 players who would have claims on playing on Thursday."

Buckley also revealed disposal efficiency as the key area for Collingwood to improve following an in-depth review during the club’s Round Eight bye.

The Magpies are ranked last in the competition in both kicking and disposal efficiency (68.1 per cent), which Buckley singled out to his players over the break.

Buckley said he hopes to see a vast improvement immediately when the Pies take on the Crows in Thursday night’s blockbuster clash.