TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Nathan Brown of the Saints in action during the St Kilda Saints training session at Riverway Stadium on June 14, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
St Kilda defender Nathan Brown has become the latest AFL player to depart his team's interstate hub to return home.
Brown joins Carlton youngster Liam Stocker and Geelong star Gary Ablett Jr in flying home for family reasons.
The Saints confirmed the news of Brown's departure via the club website.
“Nathan leaves the hub with the full support of everyone at St Kilda,” Saints Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said.
“He is such a respected member of our team and the spiritual leader of the connection, culture and standards that we are building here at the Saints.
“The players and staff love ‘the big fella’ and we will miss him – but he has made the right call for him and his family, and we are very proud of him for that.”
“At the end of the day, family comes first and for Nathan that means being at home in Victoria right now.”
“At the right time, if Nathan has played his last game for the Saints then we will recognise his contribution appropriately. But for the time being, we wish he and his family all the best.”