Collingwood midfielder Taylor Adams is racing the clock to be fit for the finals after suffering a groin strain in his side's narrow win against Port Adelaide.
The Magpie vice-captain was subbed out in the second quarter of his side's six-point win and has been ruled out for the rest of the home-and-away season after scans revealed the strain.
Collingwood said in a statement he would be further assessed in the coming weeks but his finals campaign would appear in some doubt given the severity of the injury.
While potentially missing Adams for the finals would be a blow, his absence could yet hurt Collingwood before then as they look to secure enough wins to finish in the top four and secure the double chance.
The Magpies currently sit third on the ladder and are a game clear of fourth, although they do face three top-eight teams in Melbourne, Sydney and Carlton to close the regular season.
Collingwood have been in scintillating form with 10 straight wins, matching the streak of ladder leaders Geelong.
