Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe is on the verge of happily leaving one of the AFL's most unwanted clubs.
All being well, the 28-year-old is five games away from playing at last in his first final.
With 157 games, Howe is among the top five current players for the most games without September action.
The high-flying backman made his debut at Melbourne in 2011 and he moved to Collingwood three years ago.
The Demons have not played finals since 2006 and third-paced Collingwood, with 12 wins, are certain to make the top eight for the first time since 2013.
"I don't like to look too far ahead, but I'm in uncharted waters, to say the least," Howe said.
Howe also does not have to look far for a reminder to take nothing for granted.
Magpies teammate Lynden Dunn, also a former Demon, holds the unwanted record among current players of 196 games without a final.
Dunn is closing on the all-time record of St Kilda great Trevor Barker, whose 230-game career featured no September action.
Dunn is also out of action until well into next season because of a knee reconstruction.
While Howe has been through too much to start thinking about finals, he is rapt with what is happening at Collingwood.
Asked if his excitement was building as the business end of the season approaches, Howe replied "100 per cent".
"We've had some key personnel go down, but we play a pretty basic, systematic game of footy (where) we don't rely on any individual brilliance," Howe said.
"We've really found a feeling out there, a sense of connection, that we're playing a really good brand of footy.
"It stacks up against the best and we have to bring it for four quarters, which is why it was pleasing (to beat North Melbourne)."
Now they face their sternest test yet - reigning premiers Richmond next Saturday at the MCG in the match of the season.
The Tigers will set the AFL's MCG winning streak at 18 games if they beat the Magpies.
"They're the team to beat at the moment. There's a reason they won the flag and they don't beaten at the 'G very often," Howe said.
"If you want to play finals, you may as well cherry-ripe yourself against the best."
