MIDFIELDER Jack Steele could have played his last game for Greater Western Sydney after suffering a season-ending foot injury.
Steele was injured at the Giants' training session at Tom Wills Oval on Tuesday morning, and subsequent scans on his left foot have ruled him out for the remainder of 2016.
The 20-year-old will consult a specialist on Wednesday to work out a plan for his rehabilitation.
Steele hadn't played senior footy since fracturing his hand in the club's round 17 win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, but has been in outstanding form in the NEAFL, and gathered 41 possessions to help the reserves into Sunday's grand final against the Sydney Swans.
Mega-preview: Qualifying final, Sydney Swans v Greater Western Sydney
The Canberra boy, who has played 17 games in his two years at GWS, is out of contract at season's end and is in high demand with more than one Melbourne club.
Coach Leon Cameron said it was disappointing news for Steele, but he's hoping to see him in Giants' colours again next year and beyond.
"We're really excited with where he's heading, and he's absolutely a wanted player at our footy club," he said.
"We're feeling for him at the moment because he was on the verge of possibly playing AFL footy this week, if not he was going to play in a grand final on Sunday.
"As you know the ups and downs of footy can be pretty ruthless.
"It was unfortunate (during the season) that he went out of the team for three weeks to deal with his (hand) injury, and someone has come in and taken his spot.
"He's been in really good form and knocking on the door, but it looks like he's not going to participate in any more footy this year."
While Steele's future at the Giants remains up in the air, fellow 2014 draftee Caleb Marchbank has already informed the club of his intentions to take his talents elsewhere at the end of the season.
Marchbank told GWS officials of his decision to leave the club last week, and Cameron wasn't about to hide his feelings on the departure of the club's former number six draft selection.
"I wouldn't lie, absolutely, very disappointed," he said.
"He's a good young kid, and you don't like to lose a quality young footballer like that, but it is what it is.
"We'll work through that through the October (trade) period to get the best result for our footy club."
Marchbank has already been ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, and Cameron said the young key defender would continue his rehabilitation with Steele, Jarrod Pickett (foot) and Paul Ahern (knee), the Giants' only other injured players.
The Giants trained at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday morning, with the main session closed to the media for the first time this season.
There's unlikely to be any changes to the GWS team that beat North Melbourne in round 23, but the likes of Matt Buntine, Rhys Palmer and Adam Kennedy all starred in the NEAFL last week, and get their final chance to press their case in Sunday's grand final against the Swans.
