Nathan Buckley took questions from the media on Tuesday afternoon following Harry O’Brien’s return to the club.

O’Brien took a leave of absence over the weekend and will not be available for selection against Adelaide on Friday night. Buckley said that Tuesday’s training session was O’Brien’s first for “8-9” days.

“When he feels he’s ready to go and when we do that’ll be the right time. When he’s ready to go,” Buckley said when asked when O’Brien would return.

“This weekend is off the table.”

Buckley said that O’Brien remains a committed and important player in Collingwood’s hunt for success this season.

“Harry is absolutely buying in,” the coach said.

“We are a side by side club that provides for all individuals as long as those individuals are side by side with the club.

“We care for every single one of our 47 players and place attention and resources where they are needed for the benefit of the football club.”

Buckley announced that O’Brien has been “removed of the burden of leadership”, not as a punishment but by way of taking care of his welfare.

When the focus briefly turned to Friday night’s game, Buckley gave a pump up to milestone men Luke Ball (200 games) and Steele Sidebottom (100 games) and hinted that Dayne Beams could be in the frame for a return. Beams returned from a quad strain via the VFL on Saturday.

“Beams was very good in the VFL. He got through training today and will be in strong consideration.”