Brenna Tarrant has today informed the club of her decision to explore a move back to New South Wales for the next AFL Women’s season.

Tarrant, who is originally from the Blue Mountains, joined the Demons during the 2019 AFL Women’s Draft and has since played 15 games in the red and blue.

AFLW List Manager Todd Patterson said while disappointing to lose Tarrant, the club respects the 20-year-old’s decision to return home.

“We understand the challenges for players associated with moving interstate, given the part-time nature of AFLW,” he said.

“Brenna has developed well under our coaches and carried herself extremely well through selection challenges this year.

“We wish her all the best on her return home and will work through the specifics once the AFL provide further information.”

The move will mark the first for Melbourne this off-season, having ended their campaign on Saturday with a Grand Final loss to Adelaide.

The Demons, who join other clubs in preparing for four new teams to enter the competition, are confident of keeping their core group together for season seven.

“It’s always unfortunate to lose players but player movement will evidently become common in the coming weeks,” Patterson said.

“Fortunately, the majority of our group are committed to going one better next year and staying together.”

The club will now work with Tarrant and her management ahead of the 2022 AFLW Sign and Trade Period.