Jaden McGrath walks away from Lions, AFL

Nov 9, 2016 - 3:52 AM Injury-plagued Brisbane youngster Jaden McGrath has left the Lions, saying he no longer has the desire to play AFL.

The 20-year-old has been released from his contract which expired at the end of the 2018 season.

In 2015, McGrath signed a two season extension with Brisbane.

Barely a year later McGrath - from Kerang in country Victoria - said he had lost his motivation after a horror injury run.

"It's a difficult choice to make but I want to be honest with myself and with the club - and I just don't have the desire to continue at the elite level," said McGrath.

"Football is something I love and I want to get back to a place where I can enjoy the game again.

"I'd like to thank my family and friends for all their support, and the club for giving me an opportunity to have a crack at AFL footy."

McGrath played the first three games of his debut 2015 AFL season before being diagnosed with a foot stress injury.

He was sidelined for the rest of the year.

McGrath still earned a contract extension last December but more injury setbacks limited him to just two second-tier NEAFL games this year.

"We really appreciate Jaden's honesty and as a club we are committed to support him as he settles into life outside football," Lions football general manager David Noble said.

Source: AAP