Jarrod Garlett will sit out the next two AFL seasons after being released from his contract with Gold Coast for family reasons.
The small forward only signed a two-year extension in August but requested a release to return to Western Australia after what the Suns said was a "significant change" in family circumstances.
Garlett, 20, is unable to play in the AFL until the 2019 season as a consequence.
However, it's believed he technically could still play for West Coast or Fremantle if the Suns gave their permission.
"Our player development team and wider support network has been working with Jarrod for some time to assist him in adjusting into life away from his family," football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft said.
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"We continue to work with Jarrod and his management to ensure Jarrod's transition into life away from the AFL is as smooth as possible and we wish him and his family all the very best in the future."
Garlett is the second cousin of Melbourne's Jeff Garlett and first cousins with fallen draftee Dayle Garlett, who was recruited by Hawthorn in 2013 but jailed last year after a drug-fuelled crime spree.
He played 17 games and kicked 10 goals for the Suns, having made his debut in the opening round of 2015.
Garlett is the latest in a long line of players to leave Gold Coast this off-season, following in the footsteps of Dion Prestia and Jaeger O'Meara.
