COLLINGWOOD has ruled out star defender Jeremy Howe for a fourth straight week as he continues to struggle to overcome a severely corked thigh.

Howe underwent a procedure last week to drain the affected area in his leg after the contusion left him "feeling like an 80-year-old" and unable to run or kick the footy given his level of discomfort.

Coach Nathan Buckley said on Wednesday the Magpies were taking a no-risk policy with Howe and he would not make the trip to face Fremantle in Perth on Saturday afternoon.

"He ran around [on Tuesday]; he won't play this week," Buckley told SEN.

"The plan, once again, is to get some solid training into him to get him cherry ripe."

Like all the finals participants, the Magpies will have a week's break between round 23 and the start of the finals, which will be crucial for Howe as he builds up the intensity of his training.

The high-flying defender suffered the injury in round 19 against Richmond.

"We could push him for this week, but once again, the risk/reward is not great," Buckley said.

"If he has another setback now, we don't know where that would go. 

"He is, in his own mind and in our minds, setting himself for two weeks down the track."

The Magpies will finish in the top four and lock in the double chance with a win over the struggling Dockers.

A win and an Eagles loss to Brisbane at the Gabba could see Buckley's side move as high as second on the ladder.