Richmond forward Matt Parker is leaving the AFL club to return to Western Australia. -AAP Image
Grappling with home sickness, Richmond forward Matt Parker is leaving the Tigers to return to Western Australia.
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After being picked up in last year's mid-season draft, Parker played 11 games with the Tigers in his second chance at AFL level.
The 26-year-old played 19 games for St Kilda, but was delisted at the end of 2020.
Parker returned to WA after his axing from the Saints and again caught the eye of AFL clubs with standout performances for South Fremantle.
"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.Â
"'Dimma' (coach Damien Hardwick) 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's announcement continues a big week for the Tigers after triple premiership hero Kane Lambert on Monday called time on his career due to a debilitating hip injury.
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