Pendlebury, who holds the record for most games as Collingwood skipper, will miss the remainder of the AFL season after suffering a broken leg during last Friday night's defeat to Port Adelaide.

Sidebottom will have first honours when the Magpies host West Coast at an empty MCG on Saturday.

Defender Jeremy Howe, who is expected to return against the Eagles after missing more than three months with hamstring issues, will also be in the rotation.

All-Australian midfielder Taylor Adams, who has also endured an injury-interrupted season, looms as Collingwood's most likely full-time skipper when 33-year-old Pendlebury ends his career.

"They're bigger decisions to be made down the track," caretaker Magpies coach Robert Harvey said.

"Pendlebury's been as good a captain as I've seen so that's a great starting point and we're very lucky to have a guy like that mentoring these guys.

"Adams is ready to go, so is Sidebottom who has been here for a long time and Jeremy Howe is a real spiritual leader of this group."

Howe's presence in the Magpies' back-line for the first time since round five will provide a massive boost for the battling team.

Star Darcy Moore has already been ruled out for the rest of the season and Howe's leadership will be immense as Collingwood, who sit just two points in front of last-placed North Melbourne, desperately try to avoid the wooden spoon.

Collingwood's first-round pick is tied to GWS after a trade last year, meaning if the Magpies finished last this year the Giants will be gifted the No.1 selection in the draft.

"We're doing our best to win games, that's what we're here to do, and that stuff is not even entering into our heads," Harvey said.

Australian Associated Press