Essendon have offered skipper Matthew Lloyd a new one year contract but Lloyd will continue to mull over the offer for a few days whether to play on for another year.

“Matthew said he needs more time to decide if he will sign a new contract and play in 2010, and we are respecting his wishes,” Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton said.

“He has been busy with a number of things, including the birth of his second daughter, and doesn’t want to rush what is a very big decision for him. Naturally the football club, our supporters, sponsors and the wider football public are very interested in his decision but we will not be pressuring Matthew.”

If Lloyd decides to play on, he will miss the first month of the 2010 AFL season following his suspension in Round 22 against Hawthorn.