Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd is putting off a decision about retirement until the end of the AFL season.

The Bombers key forward is again out of the side for Sunday's must-win game against Fremantle at Subiaco, having suffered a heel injury in round 17.

If the 31-year-old decides to continue, he knows next year will be his last.

Team-mate Scott Lucas announced his retirement this week, increasing the focus on Lloyd's future.

"I am enjoying my football however I have a number of things to weigh up - and people to talk to - before deciding whether its best to play on in 2010," he said.

"I haven't come to a decision and I understand my career could have only a matter of weeks or another year to run.

"If I do continue playing in 2010, it will be my final season.

"We have a young, exciting list that is clearly heading in the right direction and my focus right now needs to be on getting myself physically right and helping the team play its best football for the remainder of the season."

Essendon returned to the top eight with Sunday's shock win over St Kilda.

The 2000 premiership player and five-time All-Australian has kicked 926 goals, putting him seventh on the all-time list.

He has won the Coleman Medal as the league's top goalkicker, most recently in 2003.

Lloyd has played 269 games since his debut with Essendon in 1995.

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