Lion leaves the Den

KERANG football player Jaden McGrath has walked away from the AFL.

The 20-year-old has been released from his contract at Brisbane Lions after informing the club he has no desire to play AFL after a horror run with injury.

In a statement released by the Lions, McGrath said he needed to be up front about his future.

“It’s a difficult choice to make but I want to be honest with myself and with the club – and I just don’t have the desire to continue at the elite level,” said McGrath.

“Football is something I love and I want to get back to a place where I can enjoy the game again.

“I’d like to thank my family and friends for all their support, and the club for giving me an opportunity to have a crack at AFL footy.”

McGrath was drafted at pick 73 in 2014 and was a standout in his first year, playing the first three matches at AFL level.

He was then injured with a stress reaction in the navicular bone in his foot, keeping him out of the top squad.

He played two NEAFL matches in 2016.

Lions Football General Manager David Noble said the club backed McGrath and wished him well in the future.

“We really appreciate Jaden’s honesty and as a club we are committed to support him as he settles into life outside football,” said Noble.