BRISBANE Lions young forward Josh Schache admits the constant speculation surrounding his playing future has been "tough" to handle and "blown up out of nowhere". 

The 19-year-old, whose contract expires at season's end, was last week granted leave from the Lions to return to his Victorian home, however the club stressed it was unrelated to his contract status.

After being axed from the Lions' squad in round nine, Schache had next to no impact in the NEAFL clash with Greater Western Sydney that same weekend, finishing with just four disposals, two tackles, two marks and one goal. 

Schache said he was going through a difficult period in his second year at the elite level. 

"It has been a little bit tough. I'd be lying if it wasn't tough," Schache told Channel Nine on Monday night.

"A lot of the speculation (that has) been going through the media has been blown up out of nowhere. 

"(My manager) hasn't been shopping me, he hasn't been doing anything wrong so … it's been pretty hard to believe with what the media has been saying.

"I'm enjoying my time at the Brisbane Lions, I'll work with my manager and see how things go." 

Schache, who was recruited by the Lions with pick No.2 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, is considering a possible return to Victoria. 

The 199cm goalkicker said he was appreciative of the mid-season rest. 

"I'm very thankful for what the club's been able to do for me, my family and working closely with my management," Schache said.

"I couldn't say anything bad about the Brisbane Lions, they've been awesome supporting me through this time with the family and I couldn't thank them enough."

Just over a week ago, Lions coach Chris Fagan said he felt "really sorry" for Schache because his contract status had affected his on-field performance. 

The Lions' coach added first-round draftees should be locked into minimum four-year deals when they are first recruited.

Currently, players sign two-year contracts when they are drafted.

"They're not really mentally mature enough at this age to make those decisions and put themselves under this sort of pressure," Fagan told radio station 3AW, before turning his attention to Schache.

"I feel really sorry for him – he's a terrific young man, he trains hard and he wants to do his best. 

"Unfortunately, right at the moment, on top of all the speculation he's lost a bit of form, so hopefully it'll come back in the weeks to come."