With Brown unavailable after undergoing a surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder, Ball meanwhile was ruled out after experiencing calf tightness following training during the week.
Emerging midfielder Taylor Adams will step into the breach sparked by his absence, rewarded for a series of superlative performances at VFL level.
The 20-year old has averaged 33 disposals per match lining up for Dale Tapping’s side, with his last fortnight of football proving particularly notable.
Collecting 32 touches in a comprehensive 40-point triumph over Geelong last weekend, including six clearances, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s, Adams provided another glimpse into the talent which compelled Collingwood to trade for the former first round draft pick.
Adams’ stellar display against the Cats at Victoria Park followed an equally outstanding performance against VFL cellar dwellers Bendigo Gold a fortnight earlier, his work rate and intensity lauded as he collected 37 disposals.
Perhaps Ball’s heir-apparent in his hard-nosed, industrious approach, Adams’ inclusion highlights the substantial depth underpinning the Magpie unit, with 2013 Best First Year player Josh Thomas among the squad members overlooked to face St Kilda.
Key defender Lachlan Keeffe meanwhile will make a swift return to the senior team as he replaces the injured Brown, resuming his position as central pillar of Collingwood’s fledgling backline.
Elected a member of Collingwood’s leadership group for this season, Keeffe’s composure belies his relative inexperience, with the Queenslander having played only 28 matches at AFL level.
Keeffe will likely be forced to draw upon those reserves of calm and resilience should he line up against St Kilda’s evergreen captain Nick Riewoldt, who remains as a potent an attacking force as ever.
Rebound defender Paul Seedsman returns to the emergencies list for the first time this season after impressing in the VFL, joining small forward Sam Dwyer and the aforementioned Thomas in reserve.
St Kilda v Collingwood
Round 11
Friday 29 May
Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm
Collingwood
B: Nick Maxwell, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey
HB: Marley Williams, Lachlan Keeffe, Tyson Goldsack
C: Dane Swan, Brent Macaffer, Heritier Lumumba
HF: Taylor Adams, Jesse White, Steele Sidebottom
F: Jarrod Witts, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int: Alex Fasolo, Jarryd Blair, Clinton Young, Tom Langdon
Emg: Sam Dwyer, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman
IN: Taylor Adams, Lachlan Keeffe
OUT: Luke Ball (calf), Nathan Brown (shoulder)
St Kilda
B: Sean Dempster, Luke Delaney, Brodie Murdoch
HB: Jack Newnes, Josh Bruce, Cameron Shenton
C: Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes, Jack Steven
HF: Jack Billings, Nick Riewoldt, Terry Milera
F: Arryn Siposs, Rhys Stanley, Adam Schneider
Foll: Billy Longer, Seb Ross, Luke Dunstan
Int: Clinton Jones, Farren Ray, Tom Curren, Maverick Weller
Emg: Tom Simpkin, Sam Dunell, Josh Saunders
IN: Brodie Murdoch, Seb Ross
Out: Blake Acres (injured), Jimmy Webster (omitted)
