The future of Jamrra Ugle-Hagan sits in the "AFL's hands", according to coach Luke Beveridge.
Ugle-Hagan has yet to be sighted in 2025 after taking personal leave during the pre-season and spending large amounts of time away from the club.
The former Pick 1 is currently on a "flexible" training regime doesn't permit him to be at Whitten Oval regularly.
But Beveridge, in the wake of calls that Ugle-Hagan be stood down from the club by former players, says the forward's future lies at league headquarters.
"At the moment, the decision-making in regards to Marra's future and what that entails is significantly in the AFL's hands," Beveridge said on Thursday.
"We're waiting on them to do certain things, and we're continually interacting with them and working through it to work out what's best for Marra."
The haphazard nature of Ugle-Hagan's presence at the club hasn't hindered Beveridge's focus, saying that his priority is the list of players who turn up.
"My focus is absolutely, totally on the group that's here," Beveridge said.
"As I said to the players, sometimes he's here, sometimes he's not. If he isn't, he isn't, it's not worth talking about.
"If he is and he joins in, we carry on. But because he's not currently available for selection, it's not at the forefront of my mind.
"It's just making sure that the group who are playing are ready to go."
The heat on Beveridge didn't stop there as the 2016 premiership coach fought off links to Melbourne that were presented by veteran journalist Caroline Wilson.
Beveridge entered 2025 without a deal for next year, and as it stands, there has been no progression.
The Demons currently sit 0-5 and could look toward changing captain of the ship, with Simon Goodwin struggling to get his team to perform.
But the Bulldogs coach, who played 42 games for Melbourne, said if he isn't at Whitten Oval in 2026, he's not anywhere else.
"I don't know where it's come from, but ultimately our players and people that I work with understand and know that I'm totally invested here," Beveridge said.
"We went into the year, just feeling our way through, understanding we got to find what's right for everyone.
"On a personal note, you don't stay where you're not welcome. From a club perspective, they've got more to consider than just my personal interests.
"And ultimately, if I'm not coaching here next year, I won't be coaching anywhere else."
Captain Marcus Bontempelli is set to return for his first game of 2025 against St Kilda on Sunday night.
Bontempelli suffered a "complex calf" injury in the pre-season and will be a welcome inclusion to the 2-3 club.
