The future of Essendon star Joe Daniher took a turn on Wednesday afternoon following comments from teammate Zach Merrett.
Merrett comfirmed Daniher will be taking some time away to weigh up whether to re-sign with the Bombers or seek a move away from Tullamarine.
The All-Australian forward has done little to defuse speculation of a potential trade to Sydney aftermeeting with Swans CEO Tom Harley in August.
With all this in mind, Western Bulldogs great Bob Murphy feels Daniher has played his final game in the red and black.
“It felt to me when the connection with Joe and Sydney (emerged), I thought there’s something in that, there’s more to that,” Murphy told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“If I was Essendon I would think he’s gone, if I was an Essendon supporter, I would be preparing yourself – I think he’ll go.
“I think Sydney has a pull for certain players who don’t really want the limelight. I think Joe loves his footy but he’s not a fanatic, he doesn’t seem to be a fanatic for the spotlight or for the bubble of Melbourne in the ‘footy world’.
“I think Sydney would have that appeal for him, he might have the view that he just needs a change. There’s just a gut feel for me that I think this is heading one way.”
Daniher, who has a year remaining on his contract, has played just 11 games in two years due to a persistent groin injury.
The 25-year-old passed up to the chance to join Sydney as a father-son prospect back in 2012.