Richmond midfield-forward Matthew Parker and the Tigers have agreed to mutually part ways, with the Western Australian returning to his home state.
The decision will see the 26-year-old conclude his time at Punt Road after just 13 months, with Parker having joined Richmond as a mid-season recruit last year.
The club confirmed on Tuesday that Parker has recently struggled in Melbourne, deciding to return to WA with his young family.
“I have made some lifelong friends at Richmond and have made many great memories during my time in the yellow and black,” he said.
“This Club and its supporters will hold a special place in my heart. ‘Dimma’ and the people at our Club always say family comes first, and living away from home has not always been easy for me.
“Now is a time that I must put my family first and return home to Perth with my partner and three children.”
Parker played 11 games for Richmond, including five matches this year - his most recent coming in Round 6.
He joined the Tigers as the 10th overall selection in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft, earning a reprieve into the AFL after being delisted by St Kilda at the end of 2020.
“This is a decision Matthew has not made lightly, but family comes first, and we appreciate that,” Tigers football talent manager Blair Hartley said.
“We thank him for his contribution to our Club and wish him and his family all the best.”
The news comes one day after Richmond veteran and three-time premiership midfielder Kane Lambert announced his immediate retirement from the game.
