Harry O’Brien won’t be a part of the Collingwood team that takes on Gold Coast on Saturday evening according to coach Nathan Buckley.

In his mid-week press conference, Buckley confirmed that O’Brien won’t be making the trip and says that there has been no timeframe set on his return.

“Harry won't play this week,” Buckley told reporters.

“As a club we support him absolutely. It’s not a timeframe issue. There are other issues to get right for him to be ready to play four quarters of footy.”

The coach also announced that Alan Didak (calf) and Quinten Lynch (back) are in contention to return from their respective injuries, albeit through the VFL.

“’Dids’ and ‘Q’ are up and about. Dids is over his calf injury and has had a couple of really solid weeks of training. They are more than likely to come back through the VFL.”

Collingwood’s VFL team will take on the ladder leading Geelong at Kardinia Park on Friday night at 7pm.

Tyson Goldsack is also a chance to return against the Suns, leaving Buckley pleased with the “competition for spots” that is starting to heat up at the Westpac Centre.

Other matters addressed by Buckley include the potential usage of Brent Macaffer, who, according to the coach, is “an option” to play on Gold Coast gun Gary Ablett Junior.

“His past couple of weeks have been really good up forward for us. He has also played as a defender and as a run with player to make us a little bit unpredictable.”

He confirmed his preference for Ben Reid to remain a defender despite his excellent form in attack over the last fortnight, although Buckley admitted that Lachlan Keeffe is a “legitimate alternative to release ‘Reidy’” if required.

Buckley made the point that the Magpies are starting to make inroads in the defensive side of their game, pointing to the evidence of scores against over the first 16 rounds of the season.

Buckley said that Collingwood conceded an average of 106 points against in the first five rounds, 86 points between rounds six and 12 and 78 points against since round 12, which outlines the team’s ability to gradually improve as a defensive outfit with each passing week.

As for Ben Johnson, Buckley praised the retiring left-footer’s contribution to Collingwood over 14 years.

“’Johnno’ felt like he had exhausted his mind and body. We addressed it last week and we agreed that he was happy to make the call.

“He’s had a fantastic career. Too often we look at the last few years (of a player’s career) but he has been a big, fantastic servant of the club and it’s great to use this moment to highlight how good he has been for us.

“He played his first game in Mick’s first game (against Hawthorn in round one, 2000) and kicked three goals and three behinds in a really good win. He can leave his AFL footy experience with his head held high.

“He has been a confident leader outside of the leaders and has always had his teammates’ backs. He has been there for them. Side by Side is close to Johnno’s personal motto.

“Hopefully a little bit of Ben Johnson will have rubbed off on all our players. (He had) real heart and soul dedication to the players and hopefully the young guys can pick that up.

“There are plenty of little packs in our larger pack,” said Buckley in reference to Johnson’s membership of Collingwood’s ‘Rat Pack’.

“It takes all types and you need all types. We need other little younger Ben Johnsons to pop up with his passion and drive.”