Collingwood's Grand Final ambitions were immediately thrown into turmoil when veteran leader and club legend Scott Pendlebury was quickly substituted from their preliminary final clash with the Brisbane Lions, according to senior coach Craig McRae.
Pendlebury left the field only a few minutes into the blockbuster final, heading to the rooms for a few moments before returning to the bench and putting on the warm-up shirt. Collingwood confirmed Pendlebury was suffering from calf tightness shortly thereafter.
While some suggested that the calf tightness was looming as an issue for Pendlebury during warm-ups, as he was spotted in conversation with club doctors before the first bounce, McRae stated post-game that the concern arose during the opening stages of the game.
"It happened in the first few minutes of the game [not in warm-ups]," McRae said.
"It didn't help when you've got one of your most experienced players who organises things do a calf early.
"It was really strange, but this is what happens this time of year. You're going along well - I thought we were really well prepared for this game physically, emotionally and tactically - and then you've got to pivot.
"We had plans to tag McCluggage but then you need Steele to play different roles and there's a flow on effect. It is what it is."
McCluggage would quickly get off the leash of Sidebottom's tag following Pendlebury's substitution as Collingwood changed gears, ultimately recording a game-high 37 disposals, 10 clearances and eight marks.
There was plenty of concern for forward Brody Mihocek entering the blockbuster fixture too, after he was seen leaving the training track early last week. He had been dealing with a toe injury since the Adelaide victory a fortnight ago, which McRae confirmed the severity of post-game.
"He's done a tendon in his toe, ripped a tendon off, so there's a lot of pain," McRae said.
"With some painkillers he doesn't feel it anymore, but when it wears off he's in a lot of pain.
"It hasn't affected him to train or to play. He couldn't do any more damage so we managed him through training. He played pretty well tonight, I thought."
Mihocek was well-held by the Lions defence, recording just seven disposals, one mark and a goal assist in the loss.
