The season - and career - of inspirational St Kilda forward Aaron Hamill could be over.
The former captain will meet with specialists on Wednesday and may undergo further surgery on his troublesome knee before the end of the week.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon told his weekly media conference at Moorabbin on Tuesday afternoon that the ongoing injury had flared since the weekend.
"It clearly hasn't settled. He trained on the weekend. It's not perfect, he is speaking to the surgeon and more than likely having investigative surgery," a to-the-point Lyon revealed.
It will then be decided if Hamill is put in cotton wool for the remainder of 2007 or attempts yet another comeback.
"There's a decision - once we know the facts - to be made," Lyon said.
"I think it is highly unlikely (Hamill will play in 2007). We have been very transparent on that ... we understand the interest so I think we just go forward the way we have been; report it and respect his privacy."
"It has been a really tough 18 months. Once it is season-defining and we have a program mapped out for him we will fill you in straight away."
Hamill - 30 in August - has not played senior football in 2007 and appeared at VFL level just once with St Kilda-affiliated Casey.
St Kilda signed Hamill to a lucrative five-year deal, starting in 2004, which means he holds his playing future in his hands.
Meanwhile, to stay in finals contention his Saints must account for Carlton - who this week axed coach Denis Pagan - at Telstra Dome on Saturday afternoon.
On paper it appears a straightforward task for St Kilda, but the Blues, under caretaker coach Brett Ratten, should at least begin full of passion.
Lyon - a former assistant to Pagan - said there was nowhere for Carlton players to hide now the coach had been shown the door.
"What are we expecting? Obviously it's an emotional time for their football club," Lyon said.
"I am sure they'll be emotional. The spotlight now goes squarely on their players and new coach and they'll be looking for an improved performance I would imagine."
He said the belief clubs who sack coaches respond with a win immediately was a 'bit of an urban myth' and there would be no different approach from the coaching staff.