Injured Essendon defender Michael Hurley is unsure whether he can recover in time for the crunch AFL match against Fremantle.
A calf muscle strain meant Hurley sat out Saturday's win over Gold Coast, only the second game he has missed this season after returning from his year-long suspension.
Hurley said on Monday he has done a lot of strength training and made good progress.
"I'm coming along really well, I can't really feel the calf any more," he said.
"I'm not sure if I will be playing just yet, I will leave that up to the medicos, but it's all tracking along well.
"If it's ready it's ready, if it's not, it's not - that's the way we'll treat it."
A finals appearance is brewing at Essendon for the first time since 2014.
They are eighth and will start strong favourites against the Dockers, who are coming off successive 104-point losses.
If there is any doubt on Hurley's calf, the Bombers will not risk him - particularly with the pre-finals bye giving him an extra week of recovery.
"Obviously if we are lucky enough to make the finals, the bye will be really handy," Hurley said.
"At the minute, I'm not really sure.- hopefully it's a nice strong week and hopefully I play on Sunday."
But the news is not good for small forward Josh Green, who hurt his foot in the Gold Coast match.
Green is on crutches and most likely will not play again this season.
"He got a little bit of bad news - they think there's a slight crack in that foot," Hurley said.
"My guess is that he'll need surgery at some point."
Making the finals would be a big achievement particularly for Hurley and the other nine players who have returned from their doping bans.
Jobe Watson and James Kelly will also retire at the end of the season.
"I guess there is that added part to the story - the guys coming back, if we can play finals together," Hurley said.
"Obviously it's Jobe's final year as well and Kel as well, hopefully we can make it there."
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