Collingwood midfielder Taylor Adams is approaching every AFL game as if it could be his last, throwing his heart and soul into achieving the ultimate success.
Adams was cut down by groin injuries late last year and suffered a complete rupture of his adductor in the qualifying final.
The 29-year-old was sidelined as the Magpies rode a wave of momentum to the penultimate week of the season.
"My mindset coming off an injury last year was to take absolutely every opportunity that I get this year and enjoy every moment," Adams told AAP.
"I've been trying to play in the present and live in the present whenever I'm at the football club, and really enjoy the opportunity that I've got.
"You just never know how long it's going to last.
"It's been nice. I had a good pre-season and I just love being around the footy club."
As Adams watched on last September, he took time to reflect on his 11 seasons in the AFL and ponder what might be possible in his time left in the game.
The tough midfielder starred in the Magpies' engine room as they went within one kick of a premiership in 2018 and remains a key pillar in the side, determined to earn another shot at a flag under second-year coach Craig McRae.
"It comes with maturity, but I'm closer to the end than I am to the start, so I want to make sure that I really enjoy what's left of my career and playing in this awesome football team," Adams said.
"There's a real genuine care and connection at our footy club at the moment and it's pretty awesome to be a part of.
"Not too many workplaces have that."
Adams has been a key contributor in 2023 as Collingwood have stormed to flag favouritism, starting the season with an impressive win over reigning premiers Geelong and a demolition of Port Adelaide.
The competition's highest-scoring side faces another big test of their credentials against unbeaten Richmond at the MCG on Friday night.
"It's back to work (now) and we're not going to get too far ahead of ourselves," Adams said.
"The reason we've been put in this position is because that's the way we've been for the last 18 months.
"We'll keep doing what works and hopefully the reward comes."
