Frawley has been hesitant to re-sign with the Demons, preferring to wait until the direction of the club is sorted. That path begins with finding a successor to coach Paul Roos.
Roos, who signed a two-year contract (with an option of a third) in September last year, is yet to commit his energies to the job in the long-term.
Nevertheless, Frawley said Roos' positive style had given him a fair indication of what to expect, as the Demons strive for instant improvement this season.
"I daresay a lot of boys will sign on if we start playing well," Frawley told AFL.com.au at the Demons' Australia Post Community Camp in Alice Springs last week.
Jurrah drops in on his old Melbourne mates
Frawley is sick of losing. Sick of watching the ball sail over his head each week.
The Demons had a win-loss record of 2-20 in 2013. The club was ranked 17th for points conceded (behind just Greater Western Sydney) and 18th in points for last season.
Frawley, now 25, was selected with pick No.12 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft. Since that time, his win-loss record is listed at 31-86 (118 games).
Compare that record to Geelong captain Joel Selwood - pick No.7 in the same draft - and you come to understand Frawley's frustrations.
Selwood's win-loss record, during the same period of time, reads at 130-30 (160 games).
Selwood, also 25, has had two coaches, Mark Thompson and Chris Scott, since making his debut in 2007. He won two premierships under Thompson (2007 and 2009) and a third with Scott in charge (2011).
Frawley has had seven coaches in eight years, and one All Australian guernsey from 2010 to show for his efforts.
Given what has happened in the past, Melbourne teammate Jeremy Howe said Frawley was well entitled to consider his options.
"I respect what he's doing. He's been here for eight years now, and it's been a tough eight years for him," Howe told AFL.com.au.
"I can understand why he wants to see how we go and that's fair enough."
But Howe is confident his great mate, 'Chippa', will remain in the red and the blue.
"I reckon he will stay. He loves the boys and he's great mates with everyone," he said.
Mateship, built over years of consoling each other after losses and cherishing the rare wins together, will play a big part in Frawley's decision.
"I've got a lot of friends here. It's a hard one. I'd love to be with my mates the whole time and play 10 or 15 years with every one of them," Frawley said.
"But it's reality; I think the average career now is about five years. You've got to make the most of your time as a footballer."
Frawley said Roos has emboldened him to take the game on more this season.
"Personally, I love trying to get a kick. Roosy's encouraged me to play with a bit of flair and find my own style," he said.
"It (the flair) was missing last year, probably because the ball was coming in so much. But I've just got to get back to playing that instinctive game and taking them on."
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
Frawley is sick of losing. Sick of watching the ball sail over his head each week.
The Demons had a win-loss record of 2-20 in 2013. The club was ranked 17th for points conceded (behind just Greater Western Sydney) and 18th in points for last season.
Frawley, now 25, was selected with pick No.12 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft. Since that time, his win-loss record is listed at 31-86 (118 games).
Compare that record to Geelong captain Joel Selwood - pick No.7 in the same draft - and you come to understand Frawley's frustrations.
Selwood's win-loss record, during the same period of time, reads at 130-30 (160 games).
Selwood, also 25, has had two coaches, Mark Thompson and Chris Scott, since making his debut in 2007. He won two premierships under Thompson (2007 and 2009) and a third with Scott in charge (2011).
Frawley has had seven coaches in eight years, and one All Australian guernsey from 2010 to show for his efforts.
Given what has happened in the past, Melbourne teammate Jeremy Howe said Frawley was well entitled to consider his options.
"I respect what he's doing. He's been here for eight years now, and it's been a tough eight years for him," Howe told AFL.com.au.
"I can understand why he wants to see how we go and that's fair enough."
But Howe is confident his great mate, 'Chippa', will remain in the red and the blue.
"I reckon he will stay. He loves the boys and he's great mates with everyone," he said.
Mateship, built over years of consoling each other after losses and cherishing the rare wins together, will play a big part in Frawley's decision.
"I've got a lot of friends here. It's a hard one. I'd love to be with my mates the whole time and play 10 or 15 years with every one of them," Frawley said.
"But it's reality; I think the average career now is about five years. You've got to make the most of your time as a footballer."
Frawley said Roos has emboldened him to take the game on more this season.
"Personally, I love trying to get a kick. Roosy's encouraged me to play with a bit of flair and find my own style," he said.
"It (the flair) was missing last year, probably because the ball was coming in so much. But I've just got to get back to playing that instinctive game and taking them on."
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
James Frawley's friendships at Melbourne will be a factor in his decision. Picture: AFL Media
