Brisbane Lions youngster Josh Schache will miss his side's NEAFL grand final on Saturday, and will instead return to Victoria in the coming days following an eventful season.
The Herald Sun believe the 19-year-old will start driving back to his home town of Seymour within the next 24 hours, and will skip the NEAFL decider.
Schache re-signed with Brisbane in June after months of speculation surrounding his future, and was granted personal leave in the week leading up to his decision.
At the time, the forward was heavily linked with a move back to Victoria, with Richmond, Collingwood and Carlton all linked with the talented youngster.
On Monday, Schache's mananger, David Trotter of McDonald Sports, denied reports that Schache had requested a trade back home.
The number two selection in the 2015 National Draft has played 27 games for the Lions since making his debut in round one, 2016.
Schache could only manage 10 games this season, and only featured in four games after round eight.
Across the 2017 season, he averaged 9.1 disposals, 3.9 marks, and kicked nine goals.
