North Melbourne veteran Jamie Macmillian is set to depart the club's Queensland hub as he awaits the birth of his first child.
Macmillian is prepared to stay in hub life until the latest possible stage but and then depart for Victoria.
According to Fox Sports' Tom Morris, he will return home after next Sunday's clash against the Demons.
Speaking to the North Melbourne website, Macmillian said he was looking forward to getting back home.
“I will be going home for the birth, whenever that is,” Macmillan told North Media.
“It looks like it will be sometime next week, so I’m trying to get in as many games as I can.
“It’s a situation that we’re managing day-by-day.
“She’s (wife Olivia) been awesome for me, encouraging me to stay as long as I can.”
The couple initially expected the birth to fall after the regular season.
“We found out in December, and like most footballers, we looked up the fixture to see where it lands, and at the time it fell in the pre-finals bye which was perfect,” Macmillan said.
“Now it falls around Round 13.
“So, it looks like after the Melbourne game (I’ll leave). That’s the plan for now.”
Macmillan said he had appreciated the support of coach Rhyce Shaw under difficult circumstances.
“Shawry’s had a number of conversations with me,” he said.
“He’s spoken about his experiences with his kids, and said that it’s not something you want to miss.
“He and the club have been nothing but supportive in helping me navigate my way through this.
“I love playing footy and I love this footy club, and we’re going through a trying time at the moment.
“To feel like you’re sort of deserting the guys is a challenge.”
But the 28-year-old knows this decision is much bigger than football.
“At the end of the day it’s my first kid and I want to be there,” Macmillan explained.
“Everyone says it’s one of the best moments of your life, and I don’t want to miss that.”
Macmillian joins Gary Ablett Jnr, Carlton's Liam Stocker and St Kilda's Nathan Brown in leaving their hubs.
The 165-gamer is out of contract at season's end.