Kuwarna Senior Coach Matthew Nicks says there are a number of players ready to fill the void in defence, with Josh Worrell coming out of the side due to an arm injury.

The backman is set to be sidelined for the next 8-12 weeks after undergoing surgery on a fractured arm earlier this week.  

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nicks said he was confident the team had the depth to fill the position.

“It’s disappointing for our team because he has become a really important part of that backline,” Nicks said.

“Josh has always been a leader of our footy club, but he has taken huge steps in that space and we will miss that.

“We are confident that we have the guys ready to step into that.

“Borlase has taken his game to another level now, Will Hamill has been playing in our system for a long period of time and he is unlucky to not be playing in that side, both of those guys are ready to step up.”

Kuwarna takes on Collingwood at the MCG this Saturday afternoon, in what will be the Club's first game at the venue this season.

Nicks expected a tough challenge against the Pies, who had moved their way into the top eight after two strong victories.

“They are obviously one of the highest quality sides in the competition, that’s why they have been up there and why they are the benchmark at the moment,” Nicks said.

“Every team has got injuries at this point, there is a substantial amount of injuries across the league, Collingwood have their challenges in that space, we have a number of players out as well.

“We know we are going to have our work cut out for us, we are on the MCG against Collingwood, there are not many challenges quite as big as that.

Kuwarna plays Collingwood in the AFL's Sir Douglas Nicholls Round at the MCG on Saturday at 1.15pm (ACDT).