Sydney Swans coach John Longmire says forward Daniel Bradshaw will be given all the time he needs to consider his playing future.

Longmire said Bradshaw had the full backing of the Club to take time off as he decides whether to retire or not.

Bradshaw, 32, had surgery two weeks ago to release the iliotibial band which runs along the side of his thigh. The aim was to allow more flexibility and ease the pain in his troublesome knee, which had prevented him training since February.

However Bradshaw, who also had knee surgery last year, has grappled with the recovery phase and is questioning whether he wants to go through another protracted rehabilitation.

Longmire said Bradshaw had been given time to work through the issues surrounding his future, and there is  no timeline on how long that could take.

"He's had a couple of big challenges to try and get over, in a couple of serious knee injuries," Longmire said.

"He's got a wife and four kids, and he needs to really sort through that in regards to whether he wants to have another go at the rehab.

"I'm not going to sit there and put a time line on him, I'm just going to let him spend a few days, or however long it takes, to sort through it.

“We want to give Daniel all the support we can to make sure he makes the right decision for himself and his family."

Longmire said Bradshaw's decision on whether to play on or not would be based on his physical and mental readiness to tackle the required rehab.

"The reality is when you've had the operation done, then you say 'what is next?'. It's another crack at the rehab.

"It's a lot of work, and you need to work really hard to get back and be an elite AFL player.

"He's done it a number of times, he just has to question whether he wants to do that again," Longmire said.

Longmire said  Bradshaw had the full backing of the Club, and there are no regrets about recruiting him from the Brisbane Lions at the end of 2009.

Bradshaw was taken in the 2010 pre-season draft, and the Swans did not have to trade any players to get the full forward to the Club.

“Even though he has played only nine games with the Club since we recruited him from the Lions, we have absolutely no regrets about the decision. Despite his problems, Daniel has made a real contribution to the Swans and we will do everything we can to help him.

“He’s had a wonderful AFL career and he deserves this time to sort through a few issues.’’