Magpies favourite Bobby Hill will not feature in this weekend's preliminary final against Brisbane after Collingwood coach Craig McRae opted against recalling the star small forward, according to reports on Thursday.

Hill, 25, has played just once since Round 15 as he deals with personal issues.

A hefty crowd is expected at the MCG for Saturday night's blockbuster between 2023's grand finalists - a match where Hill claimed the Norm Smith Medal for his four goal performance in the four point win.

Hill trained in a bid to push for selection, but hasn't done enough to break into the side.

There had been questions around his fitness from players and pundits alike leading into the game.

Previous to kicking four goals in a VFL scratch match against Geelong a fortnight ago, Hill had played minimal football throughout the back half of the season.

In his sole AFL match since June, against Brisbane in round 21, he came on as the sub and finished with one goal from four touches.

Collingwood star midfielder Nick Daicos had put his full faith in Hill in recent days.

"He's so exciting in the forward line. You kick the ball anywhere near him and he seems to get the job done. Obviously, electric place. And he seems to thrive on the big stage," Daicos told 7 News.

Veteran Steele Sidebottom didn't go as far earlier in the week, saying "whether he has done enough work, I'm not too sure", adding it's not his call to make.

"But I think we've seen what he can do, and if he's to play then he'll add some flair and stuff to our game," Sidebottom said.

Veteran defender Jeremy Howe has also been pushing for selection for the preliminary final.