Melbourne midfielder Dom Barry has abandoned the AFL and will return to central Australia to learn more about his indigenous culture.

The 20-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Demons in July, but told club officials at the start of pre-season training last week that his heart was no longer in it.

Barry has decided to return to his Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara – or APY – home in central Australia.

Melbourne said he had been honest and selfless with the decision.

They said Barry told his teammates on Wednesday afternoon.

“While 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,” Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said in a statement.

“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.”

The Demons have not given up on Barry returning to the club.

They will make a submission to the AFL, claiming exceptional and compelling circumstances, that would let Barry come straight back to Melbourne if he decided to have another try at his AFL career.

Barry was 14 when he left Alice Springs on a tennis scholarship and went to St Pat’s College in Ballarat.

His football flourished and he joined the Demons two years ago.

Barry made his senior debut this season, playing five games.

“During this period (since leaving Alice Springs), Dom has missed a lot of valuable family and cultural time and this has weighed heavily on him,” Mahoney said.

“Dom would now like to make family and culture his No.1 priority.”

While indigenous players have enjoyed outstanding success in the AFL, Barry is far from the first to decide it was not for him.

Liam Jurrah and Austin Wonaeamirri are other highly-rated indigenous players who have left the Demons to go home.