Carlton defender Sam Docherty believes he could still play footy this season despite suffering an ACL injury in November last year.
Speaking on SEN on Wednesday morning, Docherty said the recovery time for this type of knee injury is between nine and 12 months so there is a chance he could return to the field for the final few rounds of the season.
"Timelines with the knees are just (based on) how it progresses," the Blues' vice-captain said.
"If I'm lucky enough that I have no setbacks, somewhere around that nine-month mark.
"But it's dependent on how I end up, when my running progresses to more intensity and volume and how it copes with that."
While being stuck on the sidelines, Docherty has found a new passion in coaching and has been passing on his knowledge of the game to the younger members of the Blues’ squad.
"It's been a very good pre-season for me, I've been very involved in the club," Docherty said.
"There's a responsibility not only as a leader but as a senior player at the club that I assist our group.
"It's really unknown and untapped what this group can do when we get going."
Carlton’s 2018 season begins at the MCG on March 22 against Richmond.