Essendon and rookie Yestin Eades have parted ways by mutual agreement.
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The North Ballarat Rebels draftee will return to his family in Western Australia, in accordance with his wishes.
An in-principle agreement has been reached between the Bombers and Eades' management.
Eades, who turned 20 last week, was stood down indefinitely by Essendon last month over a matter which is before the courts. Records show that Eades has a scheduled diversion hearing in relation to the matter at Broadmeadows Magistrates' court on March 27.
Despite his absence from the club's senior list, Eades had been training with the Bombers' VFL players, however it's understood that too was discontinued recently.
Initially from WA, Eades moved to Ballarat in 2014, where he was schooled at St Patrick’s College and played with the Rebels.
He was then selected by the Dons with pick 64 of the 2015 draft.
After an underwhelming first year at the club in which he played 15 VFL games, Eades was delisted late in 2016 despite having a year to run on his contract, before being re-drafted by the club as a rookie.
Essendon's general manager of football Rob Kerr said the Bombers were supportive of Eades' position.
"The club has worked extremely hard with Yestin before reaching this decision," Kerr said.
"During our conversations with Yestin it was clear just how important being with his family is to him, and we would never stand in his way of returning home to Western Australia.
"Yestin clearly has a number of challenges to work through, and the club, where possible, will continue to support him as he addresses these.
...it was clear just how important being with his family is to him, and we would never stand in his way of returning home to Western Australia."
- Essendon's Rob Kerr
"We are disappointed we didn't get to see Yestin reach his playing potential at Essendon, but his priority now is to work on developing his life outside of football."
Greater Western Victoria Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said Eades’ story to reach Essendon was a special one and wished him all the best for the future.
Partington said Eades will receive continued support from the Rebels, Essendon and the AFL.
With Tim O’Connor