Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan expects star veteran Dayne Zorko to play on next season.
Despite being restricted to just seven games this season due to injury, Zorko remains one of the Lions' most important players.
His switch to halfback from forward-midfield at the start of 2024 led to an extraordinary late-career renaissance and was crucial in the club's back-to-back premierships.
If Zorko - who will turn 38 in February - plays on next season he could surpass Brownlow medallist Simon Black as the Lions' games record-holder.
The former Brisbane captain is the second-oldest active player in the AFL, only behind VFL/AFL games record holder Scott Pendlebury.
"If he finishes the year off well, I'm sure that he'll get another contract next year," Fagan on Tuesday said of Zorko.
"I wouldn't have thought that's in any doubt.
"He's had a few injury challenges this year, but he's working hard to get his body right and we'll give him every opportunity to play on next year.
"At our club, given the career that he's had, it'll be his call whether to go on or not."
Zorko's involvement next year could be crucial should fellow star veteran Lachie Neale and in-demand free agent Zac Bailey depart at season's end.
Bailey is weighing up monster deals, Adelaide being the frontrunner, while Neale is at a crossroads in his personal life following his dramatic and public marriage breakdown last summer.
"You can't can't beat experience," Fagan said.
"He's (Zorko) a good playing coach within the group that's helping others.
"His story is an amazing story.
"He wasn't an 18 year old prodigy, it took him until he was 23 to break in and start up his career, so he's got a lot of life lessons that he can pass on to others about perseverance and resilience.
"He's not hesitant to pass that on to others and he wants to leave a legacy. I'm sure he'll leave a great legacy."
Zorko (quad) and co-captain Hugh McCluggage (calf) won't play in Thursday night's crunch game in Geelong, but could return the following week against last-placed Essendon.
Key forward Oscar Allen is tracking for an earlier-than-expected comeback during the next three weeks after recovering from a broken foot.
The upcoming game at GMHBA Stadium for the sixth time the Lions have faced the Cats since the start of 2025.
Brisbane currently have a 3-2 record, the crowning moment being last year's grand final, but Geelong did smash the Lions by 41 points at the Gabba in round 10.
"It's a bit like when (Roger) Federer played (Rafael) Nadal in tennis, we win one, they win one, we win one, they win one," Fagan said.
"It's a huge challenge, but we'll see how we go.
"We definitely want to play better than we did last time against them and we feel like we can."
