Collingwood’s coaching staff will not be interrupted by renovations taking place at Simonds Stadium when the Magpies take on Geelong in the NAB Challenge on Friday night.

The Age's Jon Pierik reported on Saturday that construction to the ground would force coaches to view the game from temporary boxes on the side of the ground that is currently a building site.

“The Cats' home ground is undergoing significant renovations, meaning the coaches boxes and media facilities are stationed in portable offices,” Pierik wrote.

“The AFL inspected the facilities last week, but have yet to inform the club whether, under health and safety regulations, the walk during the break in play from the on-ground huddle up through the stands would require coaching staff to wear hard hats and even high-visibility vests.”

While the sight of Nathan Buckley and his assistants in fluoro and helmets may seem amusing, it appears unlikely the situation will eventuate.

“We haven’t received any word from the AFL or Geelong advising us of any disruptions to normal proceedings on Friday night,” Collingwood Football Operations manager Marcus Wagner told Collingwood Media.

“At this stage, our coaching staff will be operating from the normal opposition coach’s box, which is on the side of the ground unaffected by renovations.”

While construction will increase the capacity of Simonds’ Stadium to over 36,000 when complete, numbers will be significantly reduced for what will potentially be Patrick Dangerfield’s first game for Geelong.

James Aish is a chance to make his Collingwood debut after playing an influential role in Thursday night’s intra-club match, while first-year duo Tom Phillips and Josh Smith also impressed.

Collingwood’s last trip down the highway to face Geelong took place just over two years ago.

New recruit Jesse White kicked five goals as the Magpies lost by two points in a high-scoring shootout witnessed by 12,140 people.