Collingwood's finals campaign will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Steele Sidebottom after the arrival of his first child last weekend.
Sidebottom's partner Alisha gave birth to their daughter Matilda last Saturday night and coach Nathan Buckley said the three of them planned to rejoin the Magpies in Queensland.
Buckley told reporters that the logistics of the Sidebottom family's quarantine were still being worked through with the AFL and the Queensland Government.
NB: Steele and Alisha have both determined that they’re prepared to travel north and be part of our finals campaign. Logistics are still being worked through. pic.twitter.com/WsIgMpUtI9
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) September 19, 2020
Under protocols agreed to with the Queensland Government, any AFL players entering the state need to quarantine for 14 days before being able to train and play with their teammates.
The first week of finals runs from Thursday, October 1 to Saturday, October 3, meaning that even if Collingwood was scheduled for a Saturday evening elimination final, Sidebottom would likely only be available the following week.
Meanwhile, the news isn't as positive for defender Tom Langdon, whose playing future remains in doubt after his long-term knee problem flared during a practice match against Brisbane last month.
"His knee has been problematic and he hasn't done much for the last week and a half," Buckley said.
"It was too sore to continue in the practice match against Brisbane. He’s a very good footballer and an important person at our club."
"There are some decisions to be made by Tom to see what the next steps are."
Langdon, 26, hasn't played since round nine, 2019.
