Yarran given indefinite leave for mental health condition
The door is open for Chris Yarran to return to the field this season, but Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says AFL football is secondary to his battle with a mental health condition.
Chris Yarran is yet to play a game for Richmond after crossing from Carlton. Photo: Joe Castro, AAP.
The Tigers announced this morning that Yarran had been given indefinite leave to receive treatment for an unspecified mental health issue.
Hardwick spoke to reporters soon after the statement was released and said supporting Yarran in his time of need was his primary concern.
“Obviously it’s a medical condition and it’s a private matter so there’s not much I can elaborate on,” Hardwick said.
“Chris’ health and wellbeing are of the utmost importance to us and there’s no timeframe on his return at this stage.
“From our point of view, he’s a great young fella and we wish him the best.”
Yarran, 25, played 119 games for Carlton before he crossed to Punt Road at the end of last season, with the Tigers sending pick No.19 (which dropped to 23 after a raft of academy picks) to the Blues in return.
The rebounding defender struggled with calf and foot injuries on arrival at the club and is yet to make his debut in yellow and black.
“He’s a star – like anyone in football circles you rarely meet a bad person,” Hardwick continued.
“He’s going through some issues at the moment and we wish him all the best and we can’t wait to have him back.
“He’s an important part of our future, there’s no doubt about that, whenever that may be – we’re unsure – but he’s certainly part of our future going forward.”
-AAP
