JOSH Schache will finish his season a week early after the Brisbane Lions granted him permission to skip Saturday's NEAFL Grand Final against the Sydney Swans.
Schache, 20, missed Saturday's preliminary final victory and then asked the club for the early finish to his year after a mentally draining season.
He will drive back to his home in Seymour in country Victoria early this week.
The Lions have been mindful of Schache's struggles this year, allowing him to return home mid-season during the height of speculation surrounding his future.
The young key forward returned to Brisbane and recommitted for a further two years and is happy with the club.
There is no suggestion he wants to leave.
After a strong first season, Schache has battled with form in 2017, playing 10 games and kicking nine goals at senior level, and being dropped to the reserves twice.
The Lions will play the Swans in the NEAFL decider at the SCG as a curtain-closer to the Swans-Bombers elimination final.
