The intrigue around Dustin Martin extends to Collingwood, with Scott Pendlebury suggesting Levi Greenwood might not tag the Richmond star in the AFL preliminary final.
Martin trained away from the main group at Punt Rd on Monday morning after he also left Friday's session early.
The assumptions are Martin will be fit for Friday night's MCG clash and Greenwood will go straight to the Brownlow Medallist.
But Greenwood played off half-back in Saturday night's semi-final win over GWS and his captain isn't sure the utility will revert to a midfield role.
Greenwood was solid on Martin when they went head-to-head through the midfield in round 19 but the Tigers star went forward to deadly effect late in the match.
"We have a slightly different look. Obviously Levi last time went to him but with Levi playing back, there will probably be different plans this time," Pendlebury said.
The Magpies skipper also is unsure about the merits of trying to subdue Martin.
Hawthorn repeatedly double-teamed the 27-year-old at stoppages in their qualifying final but he broke clear to kick one of the goals of the season and still enjoyed a massive game.
"I don't think you ever get hold of Dusty," Pendlebury said.
"It would great if we could try and nullify him but he's one of the best players in the game.
"There's Dusty, there are so many good players (at Richmond). They're so even, so you can't really just try and take him completely out.
"You have to look after everyone."
After needing a hospital visit before the finals because of a virus, Pendlebury also has loose teeth after a head knock in the qualifying final loss to West Coast.
He's on soft foods but Pendlebury said it wasn't affecting his form.
"I can't bite into stuff and I'm trying to keep my young fella from headbutting my teeth clean out," he said.
Pendlebury's overriding emotion is excitement for Friday night, regardless of Collingwood's underdog status after two losses to the Tigers this season.
He made it clear the premiership favourites held no fears for Collingwood.
"Even on the weekend and against West Coast, we're still learning about what our best football looks like," he said.
"I feel like we are playing close to our best football as well at the right time of year.
"We've learned some really good lessons in the last couple of games - when things are going well, what we're doing which keeps it going that way, and ways to swing momentum back in our favour pretty quickly.
"We're in a really good space for Friday night."
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