September in the AFL is littered with hard-luck stories when it comes to injuries, along with plenty of moments some head coaches would wish they could take back.
If a pivotal player can somehow convince the medical staff and match committee he is fit enough to contribute, do you take the risk?
It's an annual question that may be about to present itself to Lions coach Chris Fagan and his staff.
When Lachie Neale injured his calf in the fourth quarter of Brisbane's qualifying final defeat to Geelong, it appeared his season was over.
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Now that the Lions have recovered to reach a preliminary final courtesy of Saturday night's comprehensive victory over the Gold Coast, Neale is giving himself a chance of turning out on grand final day.
For that to happen, the 32-year-old would need to pull out all of his most improbable recuperative powers and hope his teammates knock over Collingwood on Saturday afternoon.
“I’m giving myself a 50 per cent chance," the two-time Brownlow medallist told Fox Footy on Saturday.
"But I think the physios and the doctors and the rest of the medical fraternity are giving me about a one per cent chance.
“I spoke about it this afternoon, I think in 20 years’ time I’d be kicking myself if I didn’t try everything in my power to get up for it.
“If the dominoes fall my way and that one per cent does come through, then it would be an amazing story.”
Fox Footy's David Zita also referenced Neale's comments following the Lions' 53-point victory over the Suns.
“Quite extraordinary comments from (Neale) in the pre-game," he said.
"I think he’s telling everyone who will listen that he is still a chance.
"(He's) spending hours a day inside a hyperbaric chamber to try and get himself right for potentially returning within three weeks of what should be a four-to-six calf tear.”