Bernie Vince is clinging onto the faintest glimmer of hope that he might retire as an AFL premiership player.
The Melbourne veteran has confirmed that he will retire at the end of this season, and it is likely he has already played his last game.
Vince has not made the senior team since round 20 and a dislocated shoulder earlier this month in a VFL game meant surgery.
He said on Thursday he is a week ahead of schedule with his recovery, but Vince is sidelined until the preliminary final weekend.
So Vince first needs the Demons to go deep into their first finals campaign since 2006 and then he has to somehow force his way back into the team.
The closest the 32-year-old has come to a grand final was Adelaide's 2012 preliminary final loss to Hawthorn.
"Unfortunately I didn't go to the next level and play in a grand final, but you never know," he said.
"This year isn't finished yet.
"I'm doing everything I can to get back and be available, but I understand I'm relying on them to win a few games.
"The odds are probably against me a little bit."
Vince will bow out with the rare distinction of 100 games and a best and fairest award at two clubs.
He played 129 games for Adelaide from 2006-13 and won their 2009 best and fairest.
Vince then joined Melbourne, where he has played 100 games and taken out their 2015 best and fairest award.
The backman said the decision to retire was entirely his own.
"I'd rather go out with a little bit left in the tank, than try to go again and be completely cooked before round one," he said.
Vince is proud to have played his part in Melbourne's resurgence, adding he would not have come across from South Australia unless Paul Roos was taking over as coach at the same time.
"I've played my role, a small part, in getting us to where we are," he said.
