FREE agent James Frawley has told Melbourne he is leaving the club after 139 games.

 

The unrestricted free agent will join another club during the free agency period.

 

Geelong, Hawthorn and Fremantle have all signalled their desire to recruit the 26-year-old with a decision expected within the week.  

 

Frawley put off negotiations with the club at the start of the season and finally informed the Demons of his decision to leave on Wednesday, three days before the free agency period is due to begin.

 

The key defender has placed in the top three twice in the Melbourne best and fairest and was named All Australian in 2010.

 

He played as a forward in 2014 and kicked 15 goals in 21 games but was not at his best during the season. 

 

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said Frawley had been a valuable contributor in his time at the club and told Melbourne it was a difficult decision.

 

"Free agency presents challenges for all clubs. We have been planning for 2015 and beyond – with or without James – and this decision now allows us to further progress these plans with clarity," Mahoney said.

 

The club will be made aware of what compensation it will receive for Frawley within 24 hours of him lodging his new contract with the AFL.

Frawley was selected with pick 12 in the 2006 AFL Draft and made his debut in round nine, 2007.