COLLINGWOOD midfielder Steele Sidebottom is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a broken thumb, according to Magpies coach Nathan Buckley.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury in the final term of his side's 12-point win over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night after receiving a kick to his hand.

Buckley confirmed Sidebottom would require surgery to repair his right thumb.

"He'll have a pin inserted in his thumb," Buckley told Fox Footy on Monday night.

"He was set to have a fantastic start to the year, but he's going to miss six to eight (weeks), I reckon.

"(The injury) provides opportunities for some blokes that we have on our list and some other players there that can come in and take their chance."

Despite the setback, Buckley said Sidebottom would continue to improve as a player.

"I think he can go to another level … he's been a very strong player for us but he's got more to go," he said.

Sidebottom accumulated 19 touches and kicked two goals in the Magpies' season-opening win.