Essendon star Joe Daniher will take time away from football to weigh up his future.
Teammate Zach Merrett suggested Daniher is contemplating what's ahead, but hopes he will remain at the Bombers next season.
Daniher, who is contracted for 2020, has remained coy over his long-term future at Tullamarine.
The All-Australian forward has been linked with a move to Sydney since meeting with Swans CEO Tom Harley in August.
"Joe's obviously got to make his mind up himself,” Merrett said.
"I think he's made it pretty clear that he's going to have a bit of time away and decide what he wants to do with his footy going forward.
"So the club's fully supportive of Joe and whatever he does and I hope that he's hopefully at Essendon next year."
Daniher, 25, has been restricted to just 11 games in two years due to a troublesome groin injury that relapsed early in 2019.
“I think it’s the reality of the industry is you have to put yourself first at times,” Merrett said.
“And Joe’s been enormous for the Essendon footy club, but he’s had a pretty trying couple of years recently.
“So I think it’s up to him what he wants to do and I’m sure the club will be very supportive of him.”
Daniher has booted 188 goals in 104 games since he was taken with pick No.10 in the 2013 AFL Draft.
He rejected the opportunity to join Sydney as father-son selection.