Jolly is set to embark on a mid-season recovery trip to Arizona after undergoing minor knee surgery following the Anzac Day clash with Essendon.
Wood, who has played in every match (five) Jolly has missed this season, now senses his chance to consolidate a spot in the Magpies’ line-up.
"Darren is the number one ruckman at the club. He played every game last year and played in a premiership," Wood told collingwoodfc.com.au.
"I know I have the opportunity to come in and hopefully do the best I can. I have a good midfield around me which helps but I have to make the most of my chance.
"When I come in like I have this season and get a chance to play a few games in a row not knowing when Jolly will come back, when he does come back and I'm in good form who’s to say I'll go straight out"
Speaking after the Pies notched their ninth win of the season with a comprehensive 57-point defeat of St Kilda on Saturday night, Wood said a heart-to-heart with coach Mick Malthouse during the pre-season inspired the 24-year old to play a major part in the club’s continued success.
"I have got to make the most of my opportunities. I think I have played five games in a row now," Wood said, a stark contrast to last year in which he managed just four games in total.
"'Jolly is seen as number one but Mick said to all players, 'last year is last year. If your form is good enough you can play any position you want'.
"If your form is good enough you will get rewarded and he said you never know what might happen and then Jolly’s injury has given me a chance."
Recruited to the club at the end of 2007, Wood said the disappointment of missing out on Grand Final glory against the Saints last year was a motivating factor for he and many of his teammates who are yet to taste premiership success.
"The biggest learning curve last year was probably playing just four games last year after playing most of the year before and then missing out on a premiership," Wood said.
Becoming the hunted doesn't seem to faze Wood, admitting his side was wary facing a Saints outfit that had turned a corner in the past month with wins against Melbourne and Fremantle.
Wood and his teammates also knew St Kilda was desperate to avenge their loss the previous year after coming so close to breaking their premiership drought in the drawn Grand Final.
"Their best football is still up in the top three or four teams in the competition," Wood said.
"We didn't really dwell on the Grand Final rematch but we knew St Kilda would probably be looking to make amends for last year's Grand Final."
