Key defender turned influential forward Jake Carlisle is confident he will be part of Essendon's AFL finals campaign.
He tweaked his hamstring on Tuesday while training, with scans confirming a minor strain.
Carlisle will miss Saturday's final-round clash with Carlton, but is determined to be back for a likely elimination final against North Melbourne.
"It's not as bad as we thought, which is really good," the 22-year-old told reporters on Wednesday.
"I'm just going to miss this week. Rest up and do everything right and, hopefully, I'll be back for next week."
Carlisle, who returned last weekend after missing one game due to back spasms, said he was "very confident" about his chances of featuring in September.
"I put all faith in the physio staff and Reidy (club doctor Bruce Reid) as well," he said.
"I trust what they say and that it will only be a week."
Essendon coach Mark Thompson has played Carlisle in the side's forward line for the majority of this season.
Carlisle struggled initially, but the move paid big dividends in rounds 17 and 18.
He took 19 marks and kicked four goals in a 64-point win over Collingwood, then booted eight goals in a magnificent display against the Western Bulldogs.
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