Essendon great Matthew Lloyd would be willing to see his former club let Jake Stringer leave if his contract demands are too great.
Stringer played one of his best games of his career on Sunday against Hawthorn, kicking four goals as well as having 29 disposals.
The 27-year-old is currently out of contract, with the debate about what he is worth heating up in the immediate aftermath of his best on ground performance against the Hawks.
Lloyd said he didn’t want to see the Bombers offer him a contract longer than three years and worth more than $600,000 a season, saying he wouldn't "buy in too deep" to his terms.
“I wouldn’t give him (a contract) more than three years,” he said on Sportsday.
“And if he’s currently on a four-year contract worth $500,000 a year as reported, I wouldn’t go more than $600,000 (a season).
“I’d keep him hungry and make sure to incentivise his contract, I don’t think he’s ever been in the top 10 at the best and fairest at Essendon.
“A bit like Jordan De Goey, I wouldn’t back him in too longer and with too much money because these are explosive players who can get comfortable and also injured.
“I wouldn’t buy in too deep and would be happy to let him go if his demands were too high and there was another taker.”
Stringer recently made his return from a hamstring injury, with the explosive forward averaging 13 touches, two goals and two marks from his nine appearances for the Bombers this season.