Collingwood's Jeremy Howe didn't think he'd play footy again this season, let alone in the grand final against Brisbane on Saturday.
But this Saturday, the Magpies veteran will do just that, joining his teammates on the MCG for his second grand final in the black and white.
It wasn't an easy road to the last Saturday in September however, after Howe broke his arm in the Pies' opening round win against Geelong.
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He ended up in hospital for over two weeks, explaining his trauma surrounding a return to footy.
"It was certainly the most challenging injury and timeframe in my career," Howe said on Nine's Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
"When you lay in that hospital bed for the best part of two-and-a-bit weeks, perspective plays a bit of a role.
"Laying there on my own, I was thinking a lot. For me, it's probably not a good thing, but fortunate enough to have a pretty good turn around in the end.
"Sort of remarkable to think I was able to get back and play any sort of footy at all, but for us to be playing off in the last game of the year is truly, truly impressive."
Howe broke down the mental barriers he was forced to overcome to rejoin the high-flying Magpies side, who finished as minor premiers.
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"Because it was such a traumatic incident, there's definitely the mental side of the recovery process. I felt like I was healing … quickly … but until you … throw yourself back in the thick of it … you're not too sure how you're going to hold up.
"The first game against Adelaide (in round 15), I got through on pure adrenaline."
But some of Howe's teammates won't be as lucky on grand final day.
Good friend Taylor Adams has been heartbreakingly ruled out with a hamstring injury, with Howe sharing his disappointment for the veteran who has supported him through his footballing trials.
"It's really challenging. He's one of our spiritual leaders. He's always supported me through thick and thin and been there ever time I've needed him. He can rely on us to give him that support back," Howe said.
"It's really hard to see him get his body through the whole season and unfortunately just not quite be able to finish it off with that last game of the year."
Meanwhile, key forward Dan McStay has also been ruled out after suffering a knee injury in the Pies' one-point win over the Giants in the preliminary final, with coach Craig McRae opting for Billy Frampton to take his spot and play in his first final ever.
"It's come and he's ready. I really look forward to what will be his first final, what a way to start that campaign," Howe said.
Regarding grand finals, Howe has been here before.
The Magpies lost the 2018 grand final to West Coast by just five points, after being five goals up in the first term.
This time around, Howe believes the Magpies won't make the same mistakes.
"2018 feels like a lifetime ago, but I can reflect pretty easily on that last quarter," Howe said.
"It felt like the dam walls were almost going to break for a good hour. I think we were hanging on for dear life."
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But 2018, even 2019 and 2022's heartbreaking preliminary finals losses aren't on Howe's mind anymore.
He says coach Craig McRae, who won three premierships for Brisbane in their three-peat (2001-2003), has shared his wisdom with the Collingwood of 2023 ahead of Saturday
"It is such a big build up. For us, it's to stay present and enjoy it, take it in," Howe said.
"Train with a smile on your face, because you understand that these opportunities don't come around that often."
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