Collingwood will be out to build on their first 2-0 start to an AFL season since 2013 as they welcome back star defender Brayden Maynard.
The Magpies are coming off an impressive victories over St Kilda and Adelaide to give Craig McRae the perfect start to his AFL coaching career.
Collingwood lost youngsters Beau McCreery and Nathan Kreuger against the Crows but will be able to call-up Maynard for Saturday night's clash with Geelong at the MCG.
Maynard copped a two-game ban for striking GWS's Daniel Lloyd in Collingwood's final pre-season match.
His inclusion for round three will bolster a team already building confidence before their first clash against a serious finals contender.
"It's considerable," McRae said of Maynard's availability.
"He's one of our best players so it's a nice in for us.
"We do lose a couple of other players but it is nice to get Brayden back.
"He's an exceptional player for us so looking forward to showing us what he's all about."
Collingwood will have to tinker with their forward line with Kreuger facing up to six weeks on the sidelines.
American tall Mason Cox missed last Saturday's 42-point over the Crows with an ankle injury but could be recalled to take on the Cats.
Cox's replacement Darcy Cameron had just six touches and booted one goal in round two.
Geelong will have extra motivation to rebound from last week's loss to Sydney as Joel Selwood breaks Carlton champion Stephen Kernahan's record for most games as a VFL/AFL captain.
"Joel's a sensational player, I've admired him for so long from afar and a little bit to do with the family over the journey and I wish him all the best," McRae said.
"He's been an incredible footy player for the Geelong footy club and a great role model for the AFL."
