Collingwood could be without matchwinner Jordan De Goey for a matter of weeks as the club revealed he had suffered a new Achilles injury.
De Goey's past 14 months have been littered with persistent injuries, battling both groin and abdomen, and his latest setback has sidelined him for the foreseeable future.
"I stood here a week ago, excited for Jordy to progress his training and loads, and there was something that just wasn't quite right," Pies coach Craig McRae said on Wednesday.
"So we seek some external advice, and it showed a fresh, new injury, which explains some stuff, some power stuff in his game.
"But then also means another direction between now, and into his rehab, and hopefully getting back in a few weeks time."
Captain Darcy Moore has also been ruled out after sustaining an AC joint sprain late in the victory over Fremantle. McRae says the skipper can still complete the majority of drills, but sits out the competitive training, and is hopeful of a quick return.
In Moore's absence, Nick Daicos is expected to regain the skipper title.
However, Collingwood is set to regain a trio of premiership stars, with Brody Mihocek, Scott Pendlebury and Brayden Maynard all managed for the successful trip west.
The veteran trifecta was managed for the Dockers clash in anticipation of the short turnaround between matches, which McRae says has worked wonders.
"He's (Mihocek) is fresh," the 2023 premiership coach said.
"He's had four or five days off, and we're looking forward to having him back, and Pendles back.
"And Brayden Maynard. If you were watching him train today, oh boy, look out."
Maynard's future beyond 2025 is always a point of contention, with rivals, including North Melbourne coming hard for the premiership defender.
McRae, who ironically shares the same management as the heart-and-soul player, has an air of confidence that 'Bruzzy' isn't going anywhere.
"I often speak to Bruzzy about his footy, how much we appreciate him, how much we love him," Mcrae said.
"I don't go into contract stuff. I'll leave that for list management and his manager. But there's no reason right now, if I'm looking at him in the eyes to think otherwise."
Draftee Charlie West remains in selection consideration after yet another standout performance in the VFL.
The key forward has kicked 15 goals from five reserves games, and travelled with the club to Western Australia.
But McRae opted to hold him over, allowing him to return and play in the VFL against the Northern Bullants, slotting four majors.
Key defender Charlie Dean also comes into the mix to tackle Adelaide's three-pronged attack, but with Saturday expecting a wet forecast, the Pies could look to go smaller.
Veteran midfielder Tom Mitchell is also expected to increase his game time in the reserves after returning to the field for the first time since the 2024 Anzac Day clash.
