DANIEL McStay is daring to dream of a Grand Final against his former club as Collingwood aim to give injured teammate Taylor Adams a flag shot.

Key forward McStay joined the Magpies from Brisbane as an unrestricted free agent at the end of last year and is on a September collision path with his former club.

Collingwood and Brisbane will start favourites in their respective home preliminary finals against Greater Western Sydney and Carlton this week.

"There's obviously a fair way to go but if that is the way it falls, what a great opportunity," McStay said on Sunday.

"I couldn't have written it any better, to be honest. Let's just hope that if it does fall that way we're on the winning end."

Despite a finger injury and frustrating setbacks in his recovery, which kept him sidelined him for three months, McStay's first season at Collingwood has panned out well.

The 28-year-old returned in round 18 and has kicked 18 goals from 13 games, making his mark as a key piece in the Magpies' forward-line puzzle.

"It's been incredible," McStay said.

"When I made the decision (to leave Brisbane) I didn't know how good Collingwood were going to be because it was very early on - nearly before they went on that 11-game winning streak (last year).

"It's just incredible to see how much the group has grown from then to now. I feel like they've got so much belief."

Nick Daicos' return from a knee injury in Friday night's preliminary final clash with the Giants at the MCG will give Collingwood a further confidence boost.

But vice-captain Adams is a huge loss in the midfield after straining a hamstring at training.

The 29-year-old, whose finals series last year was ruined by a groin injury, will be racing the clock to be fit for the Grand Final if the Magpies get through.

Defender Nathan Murphy said Adams' positivity in the face of adversity has lifted the mood of the playing group.

"It's obviously really disappointing but Tay's been so positive about it," Murphy said.

"That's why he's our vice captain. He's been awesome. He's been in here this morning doing swimming and a bit of running as well.

"So whatever he can do to get back and hopefully we'll get to the Grand Final and he'll put his name up."