Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell has flagged a decision on his future is "getting closer" as the veteran Bomber assesses his options for 2023.
Heppell remains unsigned for next season and has gained reported interest from the Gold Coast Suns, who have planned to add experience to their rising side as they seek an inaugural finals berth.
The Suns are understood to be weighing up an four-year offer - split across two seasons on-field and a further two years in a coaching role - to Heppell, who was reportedly left unsatisfied with Essendon's one-year deal to extend his career in the red and black.
The tug-of-war has left the 30-year-old to enter the off-season without his future confirmed, with Heppell telling 7 News this week he will utilise the coming weeks to make a decision.
“I’ll weigh things up over the next few weeks," Heppell said. "But getting closer - the club’s been awesome.
“Not far off ... We’ll get to a decision very soon.”
Heppell's decision could hinge on Essendon's current coaching search, with the Victorian powerhouse club having severed ties with senior coach Ben Rutten after just two years.
The Bombers have formed a subcommittee to identify their next coach, however an official appointment is unlikely to come quickly amid an external review of the club's football department.
Heppell is among a bevy of Bombers still yet to lock in their future for next year, with the likes of Aaron Francis, Brayden Ham, James Stewart and Alec Waterman also among those unsigned.
Essendon confirm earlier this week that trio Garrett McDonagh, Tom Hird and Tom Cutler have not been offered new deals for 2023.
