MELBOURNE Football Club wishes to advise that Dom Barry will step away from the AFL to focus on his family and to further understand his cultural identity.

Barry informed his teammates of his decision on Wednesday afternoon.

Manager of Football Operations Josh Mahoney said: “The Club would like to thank Dom for his honesty and selflessness in coming to this decision at this time.”

“Whilst we believed that Dom had progressed well and were looking forward to his further development, we fully support the decision made by Dom and will assist him at every opportunity with his transition.   

“This has been an extremely difficult decision for Dom – right now his heart is not with playing AFL. He will take a period of time to consider his options with a focus on Indigenous culture and welfare programs in the future – an area he is truly passionate about. 

“Dom moved away from Alice Springs in 2008 at the age of 14 to pursue a tennis scholarship and further his education at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat.
“During this period, Dom has missed a lot of valuable family and cultural time and this has weighed heavily on him. Dom would now like to make family and culture his number one priority.

“The Melbourne Football Club will be working with Dom and will be making a submission to the AFL under the exceptional and compelling circumstances. This would, if approved, allow the opportunity for Dom to reengage with the Melbourne Football Club, should Dom rekindle his passion for AFL.

“The Melbourne Football Club wishes Dom Barry all the best for the future.”

Please Note: Dom Barry will be removed from the primary list before the second AFL List Lodgment Date on Thursday.