THE PROSPECT of Collingwood emerging as this year's surprise premiership threat has midfielder James Aish even more hungry to get back playing by the end of the season.

The newly re-signed Magpie is aiming to return in the VFL around round 18 after working his way back from a knee injury that could have threatened his season.

And, he's in a good head space to do it, after inking a two-year contract extension this week after his future looked uncertain after a pair of injury-hit seasons.

"I'm hopeful I can get back this year and finish the year well," Aish told AFL.com.au this week.

"Then it will be into another big pre-season and trying to cement my spot in the team and hopefully have two injury-free years."

Aish, 22, was dealt a devastating blow in round six against Richmond when he ploughed his knee into Jason Castagna's hip in a marking contest.

The impact damaged his posterior cruciate ligament and caused the type of injury ruckmen traditionally used to suffer when their knees collided at bounces before the centre circle was introduced.

"The initial thought was that was the year and I'd need surgery, so that would have been pretty disappointing," he said.

"It would have been basically a PCL reconstruction, so that would have been season out."

But, Aish and the club opted for a "conservative" treatment plan, which meant he'd wear a cumbersome and "painful" knee brace for six weeks.

"It probably had a 50 per cent success rate as well," he said.

"There were lots of choices and doubt with all of it so I'm pretty fortunate it's worked out well."

The Pies were quick to reassure the former first-round NAB AFL Draft pick he didn't have to spend his rehabilitation worrying about his future.

He'd known from before the season they were keen to extend their relationship, but nothing had been confirmed despite his promising form in the opening five games.

"I was in the team and playing reasonably well and then the injury happened, so it wasn't ideal," he said.

"The club was great, as soon as it happened they assured me something would get done.

"At that stage, not knowing if I'd get back for the season or not, it just eased my mind a bit and I've been able to put all my energy into it and to get two years is nice as well."

He's not the only Pie to have re-signed this week.

Fellow South Australian Matt Scharenberg, who was taken one pick before Aish in the 2013 draft, has also inked a two-year extension after an injury-hit start to his own career.

"They timed that one nicely," Aish said.

"It's awesome for him, he's had such a good year.

"He's almost my favourite player to watch – to see him play with confidence and have fun out there, it's awesome.

"I'm pumped for him to be here as well, I'm sure a lot of other clubs would have loved him so it's good to have him here."

From his spot in the grandstand, Aish has been able to witness the Pies' turnaround that has featured five wins from six starts since his injury.

He said the way they were playing showed they had the capability to be this year's Western Bulldogs or Richmond and swoop in for an unexpected premiership.

"The way they're doing it is really good – the Queen's Birthday game, the first quarter was probably the best atmosphere in a game I've seen with how much pressure we were putting on the opposition, it was so good," he said.

"We're certainly confident, we know if we play our best we can beat anyone, so there's no reason we can't [be the surprise contender].

"Everyone is playing their role really well, [playing] very selfless, and it's building a lot of power in the team."

And, it's that confidence that has Aish even more determined to make sure he's part of it now he's starting to ramp up his training.

"The fact we'll hopefully be pushing for finals certainly gives you an extra drive to get back," he said.

"The way they're playing looks like a lot of fun out there and everyone is playing really well, so it's certainly pushing me harder to get back."