Retiring Sydney defender Ted Richards hasn't given up hope on one last AFL game.
The Swans veteran hasn't played in the top grade since round 17 against Hawthorn where he suffered a serious concussion, and isn't expected to be named to face GWS in the qualifying final this weekend.
However he is likely to play in the club's NEAFL grand final against the Giants this weekend, and he is hopeful that won't be his last game for the Swans.
"I still come to training every day with the intention to get better and improve," he told RSN927 on Wednesday.
"And if I do get the chance and the opportunity then I'm going to be ready."
Richards announced his retirement early last month, bringing to a close his 261-game career which has been played at both Sydney and Essendon.
The 2012 All-Australian has been injury prone this season, having also battled to return from a fractured eye socket earlier in the Swans' campaign.
He remained hopeful at the time he would play at least one last AFL match, despite Sydney coach John Longmire later stating he wouldn't select him based on sentiment.
However Richards now fears the controversial league-wide final-round bye may have cost his a final farewell.
"This new bye couldn't have come at a worse time for me," he said.
"It would have been great if Horse rested quite a few players in round 23 this year."
