Obliterated by injuries the past few seasons, the Magpies missed finals for the first time in six years last year and are still struggling to get their best 22 on the field.

The Pies were comfortably beaten by Kingborough last round, but Thorp says they aren't to be taken lightly.

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"I rate Glenorchy's list as one of the strongest in the competition, it probably says a lot about how the Tigers are travelling at the moment," Thorp said.

"I think they're sneaking up the guard and fast becoming the best side in Hobart - they're playing a really strong brand and their leadership has been really strong.

"But back to Glenorchy, we rate them we think they've got a lot of tools to become a very strong football side.

"They've got their older injured guys back on the park and they're playing well so we'll prepare really strongly for a combative game."

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Miller Hodge (concussion) returns as the only change to the Blues side, with Grant Holt making way.

Thorp is edging closer to his first game of the season after five weeks of full training while Jacob Boyd will be given another week to recover from a knee complaint.

"I'm available now, but I've got to wait for the coach to pick me," Thorp said.

"It's testament to where we're at ... the standards that we set for players coming back into the side are really high and I wouldn't think I'd play this week but I'm certainly looking forward to playing again.

"[Boyd] could play this week, but another week on the track will be more beneficial for him."

Ruckman Hamish Leedham keeps his spot in the side after impressing in his first senior game in a year against North Hobart.

"A lot of attention went to Dylan Riley and Jay Blackberry and Michael Musicka the way they played, but Hamish had a terrific game," Thorp said.

"It's amazing what can happen when you really have a culture of expectation and Hamish's capacity to lose a number of kilos, get himself in good aerobic condition held him in great stead - he had seven tackles and 45 hit-outs and was really effective as a ruckman.

"I'm really rapt for him, he's certainly worked hard to find his way back into the senior side and I think he'll be there now as our permanent ruck until I potentially come back or there's an injury."