Retired Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy has raised concerns over Jake Stringer's work ethic ahead of the forward finding a new home during the AFL's trade period.
Murphy said the club had numerous conversations with the 2015 All Australian over the past two seasons as he battled form, fitness and off-field issues.
"He would acknowledge there's been frustration for the last couple of years," Murphy told SEN radio on Wednesday.
"It's not like a mid-year review and end review. There are conversations happening all the time. There's been lots of conversations throughout the last couple of years.
"He's high talent, he's got huge self-belief but he's not yet a fanatic for the daily grind."
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge confirmed a week ago the 23-year-old Stringer will be on the table during next month's trade window.
Stringer on Tuesday spoke of the shock around his pending departure, which follows the club's dismal failure of their premiership defence.
Geelong and Essendon are considered frontrunners for his signature.
Murphy, who called time on his 312-game career at the end of the season, said he still hoped Stringer could remain at the club.
"After a poor year, change can happen. Saying that, (I'm) still a little bit surprised how quickly it's escalated," he said.
"I've sort of been taken aback by how much it escalated since we were bundled out of the finals in round 23.
"I still hold out some hope it could be patched up."
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