DOUBT continues to surround the playing future of Western Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney, with his manager expressing concerns over the long-term durability of the Brownlow medallist's knee.

The 25-year-old has carried soreness in his right knee across the season and has not played since round 18, playing only 13 of a possible 19 games this year.

Cooney's manager Rick Olarenshaw told SEN on Wednesday morning his client would not only miss the remaining three games, there were major worries regarding his longevity given the knee complaint was unable to be entirely repaired. 

"I caught up with Adam last week and there's definitely concerns about that knee," he said.

"Obviously he'll miss the rest of the season but he's going to have to be managed really well for the rest of his career.

"There's definitely some big question marks about whether he'll get back to his best. Let's hope he does."

Cooney has had issues with his knee since late 2008, when he cracked his patella and suffered cartilage damage during the qualifying final against Hawthorn.

He had another operation at the end of last season, which restricted his training until January this year.

Last month, he spoke to the Sunday Herald Sun about the extent of the management required to get himself right to play each week. 

"I'm in pain pretty much most of the time. It's just always there," he said.

"It takes about 15 or 20 minutes to warm up and it's got that sharp pain when you run, but I suppose you get used to it after a while.

"I've got a fair bit of cartilage damage on the edge of the knee and that keeps breaking away every so often.

"It's not going to go away. I've got my head around the fact I'm not going to be ever able to play pain-free.

"I'm not the only one out there who's doing it, but it is frustrating."

Coach Rodney Eade, who was told on Wednesday he would not be at the club beyond this season, said last month the club could look at overseas options for Cooney's off-season treatment.

Jennifer Witham covers Western Bulldogs news for the AFL Website. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.