NORM Smith medallist Andrew Embley is expected to retire at season's end but is likely to be given a chance to reach the 250-game milestone in round 23 against Adelaide, according to Eagles coach John Worsfold.
 
Embley played his 249th match as the sub against Geelong last Saturday night following the late withdrawal of Chris Masten due to thigh tightness.
 
Worsfold said it was unlikely he would take Embley to the MCG to face Collingwood on Friday night, instead allowing the premiership player to reach his milestone at home in the last round.
 
"It's leaning at this stage towards next week," Worsfold said.
 
"I think to have one more game at Patersons Stadium in front of the people who have watched him over the last 14 years would be pretty good.
 
"I think he warrants that sort of respect."
  
Embley had given indications he was keen to continue in 2014 but Worsfold said things had changed.
 
"Six weeks is a long time for 32-year-olds. He hit the wall," Worsfold said.
 
"I know Andrew was wavering a little bit in that he was starting to question how much he could add value to this squad next year."
 
 
"Possibly," Worsfold said.
 
"Adam's form has been really good. He's been held out of the side over the last two weeks because of the opportunity to give some younger players a game."