SHATTERED West Coast defender Brad Sheppard knew straight away his finals campaign was over after feeling "sharp pain" when he pinged his left hamstring against Collingwood.
Sheppard is likely to undergo surgery later this week to repair his tendon and will need up to three months to recover.
It was a heartbreaking blow for the 27-year-old, who has established himself as a key backline lieutenant under Adam Simpson and played every game since the start of 2015.
"I'm a bit devastated with the news I won't be taking any part in the finals series now," Sheppard told TAB Radio.
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"I'm sort of coming to terms with what's going on but understanding that as a club we're in a great position with a home prelim.
"So, I've got to put a brave face on with the boys because I think we've got a real chance this year."
Sheppard went down entering time-on in the first term after a slight push from opponent Jordan De Goey caused him to overextend and lose balance.
"The severity of the pain, I knew I was in trouble," he said.
"It's the first time I've done a hamstring, and speaking to all the physios post-game, everyone said it doesn't look great.
"But I was still positive. I still did all the icing in the hope it was only going to be a minor one."
After seeing how star Nic Naitanui dealt with his heartache at a second ruptured ACL, Sheppard is trying to remain upbeat.
He could now take on a role mentoring young backmen Liam Duggan and Tom Cole.
"They both performed really well in the final the other night. I'll try to help out as much as I can, because I don't really want to distance myself too much from the boys," Sheppard said.
"I've been there all year, and love the footy club and what it's about, if I can take part still in what's to come that would be great."
While Sheppard's flag dream is over, the door opens again for Will Schofield to return after being left out against the Pies.
It is likely to be the only change ahead of the preliminary final against either Hawthorn or Melbourne.
After seven weeks out with a hairline fracture in his shin, star spearhead Josh Kennedy got through his comeback unscathed against the Pies.
Kennedy was out of sorts before half-time, dropping several marks and picking up just two disposals.
"Just a little bit (rusty), I don't know if you noticed," Kennedy joked on 6PR.
"I felt like I had butter all over my hands, and I felt like a baby giraffe trying to walk for the first time."
But he ended up playing a pivotal role and booted 2.4, including a team-lifter to start the final quarter.
After marking over an impressive Tyson Goldsack, Kennedy converted from 50m and revealed why he cupped his hand to his ear in celebration.
"I was getting heckled a fair bit because of that first half," he said.
"There was a lot of Collingwood supporters there."
