Richmond Football Club and Matthew Parker have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing the 26-year-old to return home for family reasons.
Parker approached the Club after struggling in recent times with a young family in Melbourne. It was then decided that he would return to Western Australia.
The versatile forward/midfielder played 11 AFL games for Richmond, booting seven goals, having been selected as a mid-season pick last year.
Parker said he was forever grateful to the Club for allowing him the opportunity to play AFL football again.
“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.”
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent, Blair Hartley wished Parker and his family well for the future.
“This is a decision Matthew has not made lightly, but family comes first, and we appreciate that,” he said.
“We thank him for his contribution to our Club and wish him and his family all the best.”
Parker also played 19 AFL matches for St Kilda in 2019-20, taking his career games tally to 30.
The South Fremantle product played arguably his best match AFL level when Richmond met his former side in Round 3 this season, booting three first-half goals among his 13 disposals.
