Fallen AFL star Jake Stringer will take some extra time to work through his switch from the Western Bulldogs to a new club.
Stringer, a premiership player last year and an All-Australian in 2015, was put up for trade by the Dogs after a torrid campaign in which he battled form, fitness and off-field issues.
His agent Paul Connors told reporters on Tuesday his client wasn't enjoying the process of finding a new club.
That search was complicated further by a recent tell-all interview by his former fiancee containing allegations of problem gambling and infidelity.
Connors declined to comment further, saying it was a private matter.
Stringer had been expected to nominate his club of choice this week but has put that decision on hold while he deals with personal issues.
"I don't think he's finding (this process) that great at all, but they are the things with football," Connors said.
"He's just working through it. He's had a whirlwind few weeks, he's had a couple of weeks to think about this but he's got a few issues he's dealing with and he'll address that in due course.
"In time, he'll make a decision on where he thinks is best for his football.
"There's no rush - we've got time.
"I think you've got to allow the process to take place."
Essendon and Geelong are reported to be in the mix to sign the former No.5 draft pick, with the Bombers slightly in front.
"I'm not sure that's correct, but that will play out," Connors cautioned.
Stringer kicked 160 goals in 89 games over five seasons for the Dogs.
He is contracted for next season, but a return to Whitten Oval is highly unlikely given the public breakdown of his relationship with the club.
Despite the recent issues, Connors is certain Stringer will still be a sought-after commodity during the AFL trade period that starts on Monday.
"I think we forget he's 23 years of age and he's kicked a lot of goals," he said.
"I think he's going to be a better player in years to come, that's for sure."
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