Richmond forward Troy Taylor may be lost to the AFL after returning to the Northern Territory for personal reasons.
According to a statement from the Tigers issued on Thursday morning, Taylor's absence is 'for an indefinite period'.
"The club will continue to support Troy as he deals with these issues," said Richmond general manager of football Craig Cameron.
"He will spend this time away from the club and make a decision on whether he wants to continue his AFL career."
The 19-year-old had a delayed start to the pre-season after spending time with his father in country Western Australia following Richmond's 2010 campaign and reportedly only later resumed training with the club when Clontarf officials escorted him to Perth to catch a flight back to Melbourne.
Taylor then played for the Tigers during the pre-season, including in their NAB Cup losses to Carlton and Collingwood, and reports just over a month ago suggested he was more settled and ready to blossom.
But confirmation from Richmond on Thursday that Taylor is back in the Northern Territory mean the Round 22 game against Port Adelaide last year could be his fourth and final outing in the AFL.
In those four matches, after he made his debut against Melbourne in Round 4 last season, Taylor booted three goals - managing one each against the Demons, Dockers and Saints - and collected 33 possessions.
However, his season took a considerable blow when he injured his knee against Fremantle in the Round 5 Anzac Day clash at Subiaco.
Taylor's departure is a blow to the Tigers who had maintained faith in him through an assault case last year, Taylor eventually avoiding jail time despite being found guilty.