Collingwood have been dealt a double injury blow on the eve of the 2021 season, with young forward Will Kelly and veteran midfielder Steele Sidebottom both sustaining injuries in the club's AAMI Community Series match against Richmond.
The Magpies fought back late in the contest to narrowly fall short by six points in what was an impressive hitout from both sides, with Collingwood's outing hit with collateral as Kelly and Sidebottom face stints on the sidelines.
Kelly suffered a broken collarbone during a marking contest against Tigers defender Dylan Grimes, with Nathan Buckley revealing post game that the 20-year-old will immediately require surgery.
Collingwood's Will Kelly has headed down to the rooms for treatment after this incident. #AAMISeries pic.twitter.com/y90uvSh3Nm
— AFL (@AFL) March 5, 2021
There is no timeframe for a return for Kelly, who was a likely selection for Buckley's Round 1 side to face the Bulldogs in two weeks time.
Sidebottom sustained calf tightness early into the match and had his night ended by quarter-time, with Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph revealing the 30-year-old entered the game with a minor calf complaint.
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"[Sidebottom] has what the club is calling a precautionary issue with the calf and they’re also aware he only lasted 15 minutes," Ralph said.
"He came into this game with a bit of calf soreness and he just wasn’t able to go."
Collingwood star duo Brayden Maynard and Jordan De Goey both suffered setbacks during Friday night's clash but aren't expected to miss selection for Round 1.
Magpies trio Taylor Adams (hamstring), Brody Mihocek (calf) and Chris Mayne (concussion) are also battling injuries in hope of selection for Round 1.
