Roosters head coach Gerard FitzGerald is upbeat about getting his co-captain back after a knee issue.

"He's done a massive amount of running (over the past week). All the signs are promising," FitzGerald said.

He said Austin would be put through an extensive session on Wednesday in the next phase to prove his fitness. Austin has had a lean year. He has managed just seven games, with his last game was against Geelong on June 13.

FitzGerald is also hopeful of regaining James Keeble after a hamstring strain as the Selkirk Roosters pursue a fourth consecutive win. "He's a strong chance. He's also been doing a lot of running."

FitzGerald said he was pleased with the way Nick Couch had come through the win over Geelong on Sunday. That was only Couch's third VFL appearance for the year and second game in three weeks. 

FitzGerald said Couch had pulled up a little sore, but nothing more anyone expect in their first game back.

The Roosters will be without Liam Hoy (hamstring) against Collingwood.

North Ballarat is season-best form with wins over Frankston, Northern Blues and Geelong in consecutive wins.

FitzGerald said the Roosters had dealt with a team below them (Frankston), one around them (Northern Blues) and one above them (Geelong). He said they now had deal with a team well above them. Collingwood is sixth with four more wins than North Ballarat. 

MEAWNHILE, Bungaree reserves player Jacob Trevenen has been cleared of any damage after being taken to hospital during the match against Hepburn in the Central Highlands Football League on Saturday.

Demons president Darren Rix said Trevenen suffered severe concussion but had been cleared of any spinal or neck damage. It is not expected he will play this week.

The match was called off at three quarter time while ambulances attended the scene.