COLLINGWOOD expects key forward Travis Cloke to be available for its vital clash against the Sydney Swans on Friday night at the SCG.

The Magpies spearhead has missed the past three games with a calf injury and will still be subjected to a test ahead of the game, but football manager Neil Balme told the club website they were confident the 28-year-old would return.

"Travis is going pretty well with that calf. Certainly he has to get through training but we remain pretty confident that he will be available to play," Balme said.

Match preview: Swans v Magpies

It is a further boost for the Magpies who were buoyed by the return of Ben Reid against Carlton in his first senior game for nearly 12 months.

Reid got through the game unscathed after a long lay-off, kicked four goals and marked well.

Meanwhile the club also expects 2010 premiership player Brent Macaffer to return from a knee reconstruction that has kept him sidelined since round 22 last season.

He will play for the VFL team against North Ballarat at Victoria Park on Saturday.

"[He'll] probably only [play] three quarters of a game but we're really pleased to see him back," Balme said. 

Unfortunately for the Magpies, top 10 draft pick Nathan Freeman continues to be dogged with hamstring problems and will miss again.

"He's had a little bit of a recurrence of a hamstring. He's not too bad but he is a little bit sore, so we just have to see how he settles so we can see how we can get him back on track," Balme said.