GEELONG has parted ways with young midfielder Brad Hartman.
The 20-year-old has been on temporary leave from the club, spending time at home in South Australia over the past six weeks.
Hartman, his parents and AFL Players Association general manager Ian Prendergast met on Thursday and agreed the decision was in the best interests of all involved.
"Brad has had some issues meeting the professional standards expected of an AFL player and was at home considering whether or not he would continue," Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said in a statement.
"We have been in contact with Brad while he has been away and met with Brad and his family and advisors. During those discussions it became clear for all parties that stepping away from the game was the best course of action for Brad at this time of his life.
"The club will continue to offer support to Brad as he transitions away from the club. These situations, particularly in dealing with young players, are never easy, particularly as they play out in a public forum. We wish Brad all the best in all of his future endeavours."
In March, Hartman returned to his hometown of Murray Bridge in SA on Wednesday where he undertook labouring work while continuing a training program provided by the club.
That decision was made after a meeting between Hartman, his parents, Hocking and player development manager Dave Johnson.
"It's something that we've been working through with Brad, not just over the last couple of weeks ... you never get to this point overnight," Hocking said at the time.
"There have been some behavioural issues over time that we've encountered with Brad. One of the difficulties for Brad is he suffers from homesickness, that's one of the reasons why he's asked for time out of the program."
In December, Hartman was charged by police with leaving the scene of an accident and failing to stop at a stop sign.
The midfielder, a former junior basketball star, played five senior games after making his debut against St Kilda in round 13, 2014.
He was selected at pick No.77 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
