INJURY-plagued Hawthorn utility Matt Spangher knows he could be playing to keep his AFL career alive.
The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and the Hawks are yet to open talks about a new deal.
"I wish I could tell you more, but honestly I haven't had any negotiations at all or spoken about it," Spangher told AFL.com.au.
"Obviously, I'd love to stick around; I suppose that's up to the club and the direction they see my career."
While there's little doubt Spangher has currency as a key position player, the 195cm Hawk's durability remains a concern.
"A lot of it relies on me personally (with) my reliability to stay on the park," he said.
"I've had some pretty serious injuries this year as well as the rest of my career, so if that can hold off then that just improves my chances of sticking around a bit longer.
"This year is probably the most confident I've felt in my body. The guys here have helped me develop a program and made me understand my body a bit more than I have in the past.
"I've always probably tried to push myself a little bit hard, but they've pulled me back a little bit, which has been nice.
"We've got a big thing about reliability at the club, and if I can fulfill a role and help the team get another premiership, then that's all got to (be) the better for getting another contract."
Spangher must wish popularity played a bigger role in contract considerations, in which case he would already be locked-away on a long-term deal.
The shaggy-haired big man is loved at Hawthorn and is a cult hero among the club's supporters, even though he has only lined up in eight games since he was traded from the Sydney Swans at the end of 2012.
In total, Spangher has only played 40 career matches since he was drafted by West Coast with pick No.34 overall in 2005.
But despite the setbacks – including calf and ankle troubles this season – he's never lost sight of his dream to finally play in a premiership.
Three times he's been a spectator on Grand Final day as his Eagles (2006), Swans (2012) and Hawks (2013) teammates tasted the ultimate success.
However, 2014 could be his year.
The Hawks are gearing up for a tilt at back-to-back flags and Spangher, who was an emergency for last year's decider, will man a key defensive post for the third-straight game against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.
A potential match-up against his good mate Travis Cloke looms at some stage during the clash.
The pair were opponents in the Eastern Junior Football League and later became teammates at Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup.
"I've got no dramas playing on 'Clokey', I grew up playing with Trav. He's done a bit more than me since then … he's in some good form at the moment, too," Spangher said.
"He never kicked a bag (on me), which was good, but he definitely took a few good grabs on me, I remember that.
"I think he probably got the chocolates in the end, but we'll see if we can reverse that if I get the task on the weekend."
