The week off looks like it could be the difference for injured Sydney stars Lance Franklin and Luke Parker, with both on course to play in Saturday's elimination final against GWS.
All Australian captain Franklin and midfielder Parker missed Sydney's final-round loss to Hawthorn with groin issues, but are expected to do some training on Tuesday and Thursday.
"The medical staff are reasonably confident that they will be available for this week," coach John Longmire said of Franklin and Parker.
"At the moment it looks like Lance and Luke will do a bit more on Tuesday and again on Thursday. If they get through that they'll be available to play.
"We just need to see they're able to get around and do what the medical staff want them to do, as far as run and change of direction – things they normally are required to do. So we'll be looking for that and getting the tick off the medical staff.
"The week off has been good. It's good because it gives a couple of players a chance to get up. But we we're certainly itching to get out there this week.
"The anxiety levels are starting to rise and the excitement is certainly there for Saturday."
