Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew has given his strongest indication yet that Tom Lynch may have played his last game for the struggling AFL club.
But fellow co-captain Steven May insists he won't also be seeking an exit from the Suns at season's end despite rumoured interest from Collingwood.
Off-contract forward Lynch had successful surgery on his troublesome knee in Melbourne on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season.
Dew has "parked" discussions about Lynch's future for now.
The 25-year-old free agent has been strongly linked with a move home to Victoria with Richmond, Collingwood and Hawthorn all understood to be keen on his services.
"We're trying to snap a losing streak and Tom can't help with that," Dew said on Wednesday.
"History suggests that if you don't know (if a player is staying) in round 18 and he's our captain, it's not looking great.
"But that's the reality of AFL footy and we're certainly planning for both."
Lynch is expected to fetch well in excess of $1 million a season with his next deal and the Suns' 11-game losing streak and 3-13 record is hardly helping the club's retention cause.
Suns chairman Tony Cochrane said it was "obvious" the club wanted a decision sooner rather than later from Lynch.
"We're hopeful that straight after his operation is over that Tom gives us a clear indication of his intent," he told AAP.
"We've been patient, will continue to be patient and we're planning for either (scenario) but the sooner we know where we stand the better off we all are."
May is a restricted free agent at the end of 2019 and the Suns' woeful performance has led to speculation he might request a trade at the end of this season.
But while the Suns' struggles had "definitely" hurt their chances of retaining Lynch, May said he wouldn't be looking to break his contract.
"I'm still a contracted player for next year and my focus is trying to help this team turn around and lead this team," May told Fox Sports News.
"I am out of contract next year so no doubt you guys will be asking the same question soon but at this stage I'm committed to the Suns.
"I don't think as captain you'd be trying to shop yourself around this year."
The Suns travel to Sydney this weekend to play the Swans and Dew indicated changes would be made after a host of top-line players returned via the NEAFL last weekend.
Defender Pearce Hanley was one of those, however, Dew said the veteran's lack of game time this season meant he was likely to spend at least another week in the reserves.
