IN-DEMAND Giants midfielder Jack Steele is set for a delayed start to pre-season training as he continues to weigh up the possibility of a trade.

Steele suffered a season-ending foot injury at training in September and his manager Dave Trotter told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday it was still unclear how long he would be sidelined for.

The 20-year-old has been linked to St Kilda but wants to attend the Giants' best and fairest count on Friday before deciding where he plays his football in 2017.

"There's no concern for his long-term health but he might have a bit of a modified start, maybe up until Christmas or January in the pre-season," Trotter said.

Steele played 10 matches this season, and has appeared in 17 games overall for the Giants.

"They've (the Giants) put no pressure on Jack and they're obviously keen for him to stay," Trotter said.

"They understand there's some significant interest and some decisions Jack needs to weigh up, and most of it revolves around opportunity."

Trotter said he had had a number of conversations with different clubs on Steele's behalf and not just teams in Victoria.

Meanwhile, Giants teammate Jake Barrett will be on the look out for an opportunity at another club during the NAB AFL Trade period.

Barrett, a NSW zone selection back in 2013, has played just one match for the Giants when he made his debut in round 23 last season.

The 20-year-old, the cousin of Hawthorn's Luke Breust, averaged 29.3 disposals from 17 matches in the NEAFL this season.

Barrett also starred in the Giants' NEAFL Grand Final win over the Sydney Swans with 32 touches, two goals and eight tackles.

"They haven't said he (Barrett) doesn't have a future at the Giants, but they're pretty realistic in saying that if there is an opportunity somewhere else they would be happy to look at something there for him," Trotter said.

"We're hoping something pops up for him as this period gets underway."