St Kilda veteran Sean Dempster's AFL career could be over, with the club confirming he is considering his future.
The 33-year-old is reportedly disgruntled after being left out of the Saints' opening-round clash with Melbourne.
Coach Alan Richardson said Dempster had been omitted due to form, but the 2012 All-Australian did not line up in the VFL the following day.
St Kilda football boss Jamie Cox on Thursday denied there was bad blood between Dempster and the club but confirmed his future was in doubt.
"Sean has been an absolute warrior for the Saints for many years," Cox said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"At the moment, he is seeking medical advice to best equip him to make a decision regarding his future as an AFL footballer.
"Whilst the medical consultation Sean is currently receiving coincides with him not being selected in the Saints' senior team, there is no ill will between Sean and the club.
"He continues to receive our full support."
Dempster was a premiership player for Sydney in 2005 before moving to St Kilda and goling on to play nine seasons.
He was offered a new one-year deal after playing 19 games last season and finishing equal 10th in the Saints' best-and-fairest count.
Veteran teammate Nick Riewoldt on Wednesday night said he was unaware of Dempster's absence from the VFL side.
"He's a very private person, Sean," Riewoldt told the Nine Network's Footy Show.
"I guess all I can say is I hope he's okay. Clearly tomorrow, when I get to the club, I'll be able to follow it up a bit more."
