VETERAN Bernie Vince is a chance to play in Casey’s preliminary final clash against Essendon at Stannards Stadium (North Port Oval) on Saturday, but tough-nut Dean Kent’s season is over.

Elite performance manager Dave Misson confirmed that Vince, who has been sidelined since round 22 with an AC joint injury, was a chance to play in Casey’s penultimate game of the season.

But Kent, who suffered an AC joint injury against GWS Giants in round 23, has undergone surgery.

Youngster Oskar Baker’s season is also over, after he reinjured his hamstring, while rookie Lochie Filipovic (hand) is touch and go to play again this season.

Key forward Jesse Hogan (foot), tall defender Jake Lever (knee), speedster Billy Stretch (toe) and hard-nut Corey Maynard (hip) are out for the rest of the season.

Misson’s assessments

Oskar Baker (hamstring) – season

“Oskar had a crack at some training with the VFL group on Saturday, and we probably fast-tracked his hamstring rehab a little bit to try and get him back to play. But unfortunately he reinjured that hamstring on Saturday, so he’s done for the year.”

Lochie Filipovic (hand) – 2-3 weeks

“He’s progressing pretty well. He’s started to do a bit more ball work this week, so realistically, he’s probably three weeks away.”

Jesse Hogan (foot) – season

“Jesse’s going OK. He’s just on a modified program and doing a fair bit of upper body weights in a non-weight bearing condition.”

Dean Kent (AC joint) – season

“Dean, with that AC joint injury he sustained in round 23, was trying to get back to play, but his progress was really slow, so unfortunately he’s had to go into surgery today (Tuesday) on that AC [joint]. So, he’s another one, where his season is done.”

Jake Lever (knee) – season

“Jake continues to go really well. He’s looking to do some more cross-training this week and next, with a view to potentially having a run at the end of next week.”

Corey Maynard (hip) – season

“Corey’s going really well. He’s up to 80 per cent running speed now. Our aim with Corey is to get him to a point where he can join in the normal off-season program and he’s looking like he’ll be able to do that pretty easily.”

Billy Stretch (toe) – season

“Bill had his operation last week, which went really well. So, he’s got a period of time now where he’s non-weight bearing and then we’ll start to get him out of the boot and get some load through that foot.”

Bernie Vince (AC joint) – test

“Bernie is a miracle man. He’s been really keen to get back to play and he trained with the group today, without too much contact. He’s doing some controlled contact with ‘Crossy’ (Daniel Cross) in rehab, with a view to going down to Casey and doing full training with the boys on Thursday night – with a view to potentially playing. So, Bernie’s done a fantastic job and he’s on track to maybe have a game in the VFL this week.”

Melbourne injury list: first semi-final

Oskar Baker (hamstring) – season
Lochie Filipovic (hand) – 2-3 weeks
Jesse Hogan (foot) – season
Dean Kent (AC joint) – season
Jake Lever (knee) – season
Corey Maynard (hip) – season
Billy Stretch (toe) – season
Bernie Vince (AC joint) – test