St Kilda ruck star Paddy Ryder has been ruled out of Friday night's AFL semi-final against Richmond with a hamstring injury.
Ryder was hurt in the dying stages of Saturday's three-point elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs and may not play again this season.
The Saints are set to confirm the full extent of the injury on Sunday.
The club's first finals win in a decade was also the first of Ryder's 257-game career, but it ended with the 32-year-old veteran on the bench in tears.
It was bittersweet for Ryder, who moved to St Kilda ahead of the 2020 season as one of five new signings in a bumper trade period.
"His performance this year has sort of showed everybody that he's getting back to his best," Saints coach Brett Ratten said.
"He seems like he's got a spring in his step and it's a real shame, if it is a hamstring, that he'll miss (next week).
"He's played some really good football and been a great addition to our footy club."
St Kilda could also be without Jake Carlisle against Richmond as they await his decision on whether he will continue playing this season.
The key defender is considering leaving the club's hub for family reasons, with his partner due to give birth in the near future.
Ratten said he will sit down to discuss the situation with Carlisle on Monday.
The Saints upset Richmond at Marvel Stadium in round four but face a huge challenge against the reigning premiers, who entered the 2020 finals as flag favourites before being beaten in a qualifying final by Brisbane.
"We played Richmond a long time ago and they've been in really good form," Ratten said.
"They've been a great team for three years, so we've got our work cut out, but I think tonight (the win over the Bulldogs) just shows a bit of belief.
"We absorbed the pressure and it's not easy ... but we got through and got the result.
"That will give our group a little bit of confidence."
