Speaking on SEN Radio on Thursday morning, Bartel said while he was not playing as well as he had a decade ago, he still felt he had more to give on-field.

Fairfax Media reported a week ago that communication had broken down between Bartel and club administrators, leaving the Brownlow medallist wondering whether his services were required for the 2017 season.

When the player arrived at the club for his end-of-season interview, he was told the coaches were not available and the meeting would need to be re-scheduled.

Had he played on in 2017, it looked likely that Bartel would spend significant time in the VFL.

"As a whole, over my whole career, I owe so much to the Geelong footy club," he said on Thursday.

"The last year, it could have been done different, but I'm not one to dwell on all that."

Bartel said he was not interested in coaching roles at this stage, but may explore business opportunities, or player list management.

On Thursday, he was helping out at his wife Nadia's pop-up coffee shop on Chapel Street.