Steele Sidebottom's AFL games streak has ended in painful circumstances, with the Collingwood star a big casualty for their MCG blockbuster against Essendon.
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The two-time club best and fairest underwent surgery on Wednesday night for a ruptured testicle after he was kicked at training earlier in the day.
The midfielder had played 88 successive games since round four, 2016.
He is one of several notable changes for the two teams, with Essendon also losing wingman David Zaharakis to an ankle injury.
While the Magpies hope Sidebottom will be back for the finals, Zaharakis' season looks over.
Collingwood are set to regain key defender Darcy Moore and Essendon swingman Cale Hooker also should return.
Hooker was a late withdrawal from last weekend's crucial win over Fremantle and Moore's hamstring injury has kept him out of action since round 17.
Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers, unsighted since round 15 because of a calf injury, is another likely inclusion.
Sydney have confirmed that star forward Lance Franklin will return from his hamstring injury and reach 300 games in their season-ending home game on Saturday against St Kilda.
Adelaide must beat the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat if they are to make the finals and Crows defender Alex Keath is poised to come back from an ankle injury.
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, out of action since round 19 with a hamstring injury, is likely to return on Sunday for the blockbuster against top side Brisbane.
Australian Associated Press
