Richmond mid-season recruit Matthew Parker will run out for his former club South Fremantle in the upcoming West Australian Football League (WAFL) finals.
The 25-year-old was cleared to take part in the finals series after playing seven games for the Bulldogs earlier in the season, before he was selected by the Tigers with pick No. 10 in June's Mid-Season Draft.
Both Richmond and South Fremantle, with the endorsement of the West Australian Football Commission, reached an agreement this week to allow Parker to play before returning back to Punt Road.
The midfielder/forward will be a welcome inclusion back into the Bulldogs' side after his superb form in the opening half of 2021, where he averaged 20.4 disposals per game.
Three days prior to becoming a Tiger, he produced a best-on-ground performance against West Coast's reserves side, finishing with four goals from 26 possessions, nine marks and six inside-50s.
Parker played six consecutive AFL games in 2021 after making his Richmond debut in Round 18, averaging 13 disposals per game and booting three goals.
South Fremantle coach Todd Curley said the Club was delighted to have Parker, a member of the Bulldogs' leadership group, back for their premiership tilt.
"We value the ongoing positive relationship built between the South Fremantle Football Club and the Richmond Football Club, and we thank them for the support of this outcome," Curley said.
"He trained hard all summer, played with us until drafted and has remained invested in our team after his return to the AFL with the Richmond Football Club."
"Matt, our players and our coaches are all excited to have him back and involved for finals."
South Fremantle, who finished second on the 2021 WAFL ladder, takes on Claremont in a Qualifying Final this Saturday from 2.40pm AWST at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
Reunited ?? pic.twitter.com/8pNSwUBgon
— Richmond FC ???? (@Richmond_FC) June 4, 2021