The curtain will soon fall on Steve Johnson's magic show that has lasted 16 AFL seasons but teammates sense the veteran still has some tricks left in his bag.
Johnson confirmed earlier this month he will retire at season's end, adding he would love nothing more than a fairytale finish in the grand final.
However, the 34-year-old is no longer an automatic selection at Greater Western Sydney. Especially after producing his poorest game of the season at the worst possible time.
It looms as GWS coach Leon Cameron's most intense selection headache ahead of next week's qualifying final against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Former Fremantle utility Matt de Boer and last year's No.2 draft pick Tim Taranto are both waiting in the wings.
Four-time premiership player Jason Dunstall headlines the list of pundits to declare Johnson must be dropped after failing to fire in a final-round loss to Geelong, describing him as a "gimmick".
Giants defender Zac Williams backed his teammate to extend a career that has already spanned 291 games, including 24 finals, three premierships and 510 goals.
"Stevie J still has a little bit left in him," Williams said.
"His leadership and experience is second to none."
Johnson's dodgy knee may count against him in the selection debate but there is no doubting his match-winning credentials.
The small forward has won games for the expansion club in both 2016 and 2017, such as when he snatched victory by shrewdly crumbing a last-gasp goal against Collingwood earlier this year.
"He's been brilliant for us. He provides great leadership but aggression as well," GWS midfielder Tom Scully said, adding he didn't envy Cameron in situations like this.
"We know what he's capable of when he's up and going. We've seen how good he is.
"Stevie will prepare himself as best he can. He's been there and done it more times than anyone here, so he knows what finals footy is about."
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