Collingwood veteran Jeremy Howe looks increasingly likely to play on next year.
Speculation is mounting that Howe is all but a lock to receive a one-year extension at the Magpies.
Howe's likely extension shapes as the first domino to fall in Collingwood's management of its veterans, with Howe's premiership teammates Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom also in the twilight of their careers.
The latter two have been linked to playing and coaching roles elsewhere, as two of the game's very eldest statesmen look to life after football.
Howe is currently recovering after recently undergoing surgery on a fracture in his left forearm sustained during Thursday night's loss to Geelong.
The beloved premiership defender is a staple of the football club and has long wowed fans with his show-stopping marking ability in his 11 seasons in the black and white.
The 36-year-old Howe continues to elude Father Time, frequently acting as Craig McRae's last line of defence, proving instrumental in some key games for the storied club this season.
Zero Hanger columnist Jason Akermanis went as far as to name Howe in his All-Australian side for the season, such has been Howe's importance to Collingwood's latest September assault.
Collingwood currently sits 9th on the ladder, boasting 11 wins and a draw, with their faint top six chances taking a big hit with the recent loss to Geelong. The Pies face the Eagles in Perth next, before a two-match home stand against quality sides Hawthorn and Brisbane.
