Richmond defender Chris Yarran has been released from his AFL contract, effective immediately, to deal with mental health issues.

The 25-year-old was traded from Carlton at the end of 2015 but struggled to stay in shape and didn’t play a game in Tigers colours.

Richmond football boss Neil Balme says Yarran’s exit will allow him to address his mental health issues.

“Chris has found it difficult to meet the demands of AFL football given his personal issues,” Balme said on Tuesday.

“Ultimately it was agreed with Chris, and his management, that stepping away from the game is in the best interest of his long-term health and wellbeing.”

In a club statement, Yarran said he was disappointed his health issues had prevented him from repaying the faith shown in him by Richmond.

Yarran, the No.6 draft pick in 2008, played 119 games for Carlton as a small forward and rebounding defender.

He presented himself out of condition at Richmond before a calf injury cruelled the start of his 2016 campaign, which ultimately came to an end when he took a leave of absence to deal with a mental health issue.

Yarran engaged the services of a personal trainer during his off-season break but again returned to the club out of shape.

It’s unclear whether he will eventually seek to continue his career.