With the last round of the AFL season upon us, some players' seasons have been cut short, while others are priming themselves for deep runs into the finals.
Essendon midfielder to miss last game of the season
Midfielder Sam Durham will miss the Bombers last game of the season against Port Adelaide due to groin soreness, ruling him out of Essendon's season's merciful conclusion.
The 25-year-old had been managing groin soreness in recent weeks and last played in Round 22 against Geelong, missing last week's clash with Sydney.
Midfield colleague Zach Merrett is set to feature despite copping a knock to his face, in some good news for the Dons.
A win over the Power would likely see the Bombers avoid the wooden spoon.
Three Magpies a chance to return
Collingwood may welcome back defenders Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard and the retiring Steele Sidebottom for its blockbuster Friday night clash against reigning premiers Brisbane.
The Pies' head of high performance Jarrod Wade confirmed that Howe (arm), Maynard (Knee/Hamstring), and Sidebottom (illness), will all be assessed following main training on Wednesday.
Potential returns for the beloved veterans make selection that much more intriguing, given the brilliance of the club's youngster's, including Rising Star nominee, Sam Swadling, last time out.
He also confirmed Isaac Quaynor will miss Friday night's match after sustaining a minor glute injury in Saturday's game against Hawthorn. He is expected to be available for selection for the Wildcard Round.
Several Suns unavailable for last round
After missing the Round 22 clash against GWS with a rib injury, defender Sam Collins will once again miss Thursday night's game against the Saints.
Both Wil Powell (shoulder) and Alex Davies (foot) will be unavailable with their respective, short-term injuries, while the headline-grabbing season of recruit Christian Petracca (foot), has come to a premature end, too.
Crows defender looks likely to return
Adelaide's rebounding half-back Wayne Milera is on track to make a return to the side against GWS on Saturday night.
Milera has missed the last three matches for the Crows due to a hamstring injury, and his potential inclusion would be a massive help as the side look to avoid the Wildcard, by finishing inside the top six.
"He's still a test, but he's looking really good," Adelaide assistant Jack Hombsch said.
"We'll wait and see until Wednesday when he trains and stuff. 'Junior' is a class player, and he's been really important for us all year, so hopefully he's good to go."
