Collingwood will assess the status of Taylor Adams ahead of the final round after he suffered blurred vision in the loss to Geelong on Saturday.

Magpie coach Nathan Buckley also revealed veteran Daniel Wells' season was most likely over as he battles to overcome another leg injury.

In more positive news, Buckley said exciting first-year draftee Kayle Kirby – the VFL's leading goalkicker – was a chance to make his AFL debut against the Demons.

Joint vice-captain Adams received a couple of knocks in the 11-point defeat to the Cats and Buckley said the gutsy midfielder's condition would be monitored by the club's medical staff.

"He was pretty knocked up towards the end," Buckley said.

Wells has been sorely missed at various stages this season and it was no different against Geelong, a game he missed because of a thigh problem.

"I think it's unlikely that 'Wellsy' will get back," Buckley said.

"We would've played him if he was up and running. And you can see today we just lacked that little bit of polish, class, (and) a bit of experience and leadership, which has a fundamental impact on your ability to play consistently over four quarters.

"I don't think he'll get up."


Kirby, 18, is an intriguing prospect, kicking a VFL-high 42 goals in 16 games.

"He's shown some great signs for us. One-on-one – in the air or on the ground – he's rarely beaten, and he's got great goalsense," Buckley said.

"His development has been fantastic. He's tipped himself into it and bought into the program. He's gone from a player who's been a bit of a Hail Mary, to be honest, to a player who's got the scope to come into the AFL and have a hit of an impact.

"Whether it's next week or whether it's next year is going to be up to opportunity and up to him and us."

A certain inclusion for the Pies next week will be star ruckman Brodie Grundy after serving a two-game suspension. Buckley said his short-term replacement, forward/ruckman Mason Cox, would have gained great confidence after performing well over the past fortnight.

"If he continues to develop in those roles, we'll find spots for him. The last eight quarters have been relatively positive," Buckley said of Cox.