The absence of Brendon Goddard from Sunday’s blockbuster against Collingwood is set to provide a further opportunity for one of the club’s young leaders to step up.

Goddard has been the stand-in skipper for the last four weeks as Jobe Watson recovers from an injured rectus femoris tendon.

General Manager Football Operations Rob Kerr said the decision on who would lead the team this weekend would ultimately come down to the playing group.

“It’s probably going to go to the leadership group,” he said.

“They will have a bit of a chat about who they feel is the right person to step up for the game against Collingwood which is obviously a significant game for us.”

“It’s going to be a big job and we just hope that the player who steps into the role thrives the way in which Brendon has when he’s done it.”

Notable players who have lifted their leadership capabilities during Watson’s absence include Dyson Heppell, David Zaharakis and David Myers, who have been outstanding throughout the last month of football.

Others that could fill the void include leadership group members Heath Hocking, Brent Stanton and Jason Winderlich.