He hopes Pocock isn't given the same treatment against the resurgent Argentina Jaguares at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
"Weve been talking about protecting players heads, there just seems to be [a case] now that a few things have gone out the window," McKellar said.
"That looked like a pretty nasty cleanout there so its important that we protect the players and Im not sure if that was the case.
"He was unbelievable [during the game]. Just tough, mentally tough, physically tough. He cops treatment at just about every breakdown. Hed be the first player that every opposition team talks about from one week to the next.
"He just continues to deliver through his actions and his leadership too. Hes been outstanding since he came back and certainly over the last few weeks.
"I think Rory Arnold was very good too, 80 minutes in the middle… The effort was great across the board there, we just needed to [learn] from those key moments in the game."
Arnold played 80 minutes for the second time in his 51-game career and the forward pack could soon earn some respite with back-rower Lolo Fakaosilea potentially on the cusp of a return.
Isi Naisarani will be monitored during the week and will have to pass concussion protocols after he copped a head knock against the Highlanders, but he has an eight-day turnaround working in his favour.
McKellar has his fingers crossed for Naisarani in the midst of an injury crisis at the Brumbies that has left the club to pluck players out of the John I Dent Cup and throw them into the Super Rugby cauldron.
The Brumbies mentor admits the club "cant afford to lose too many more back-rowers, thats for sure" as they fight to save their season on home soil with winger Henry Speight also nearing a return.
McKellar's side is third in the Australian conference after the NSW Waratahs nudged themselves into first place with their fourth consecutive win – all over conference rivals.
Argentina have proven to be no easy-beats after they stunned the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday, hours before a trans-Tasman defeat left the Brumbies' season hanging in the balance.
"Theyre a dangerous side," McKellar said.
"That first 40 minutes they played against the Waratahs early on in the year was as good as any team has played this year.
"[In the Rebels game] again theyve obviously put out another good performance so they will have momentum, enthusiasm and belief on the back of that.
"Weve just got to get back home and have a good week of training and continue to keep our season on track by getting a win."
The Jaguares clash marks the first of three consecutive home games for the Brumbies in what looms as a crucial stretch that could make or break their season.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 10
Sunday – ACT Brumbies v Argentina Jaguares at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. Tickets from Ticketek.
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Caden Helmers is a sports reporter for The Canberra Times
Chris Dutton is a sports reporter at The Canberra Times.
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