DEPARTING Demon Dom Barry says he walked away from his AFL career because he lost his hunger for the game.

 

The 20-year-old informed the club of his intention to quit on Wednesday, citing his desire to reconnect with his native APY – or Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara – lands in central Australia.

 

Barry said he had lost his motivation to keep pursuing a full-time AFL career.

 

"The reason I'm leaving is because I just don't have the passion to play AFL any more," Barry told Melbourne's website.

 

"I want to be closer to family and try and find something that I'm very passionate about.

 

"It's been hanging over my head for … about half a year now. It wasn't an overnight decision, so it wasn't an irrational decision."

 

The Northern Territorian said he would now seek other career opportunities, but remained coy on what he would like to pursue in the future.

 

"I'm heading up to Alice Springs for my nana's funeral … in the next couple of weeks. Then I'll just come back down to Melbourne and either do a bit of work or university, and find something that I'm really passionate about," he said.

 

"I've got a few ideas (of what I want to do) but I'll keep them under the table."

 

Barry, who signed a two-year contract with the Demons in July, said he believed his decision to quit football was the "right one".

 

"You've got to play – especially at the elite level – because you want to play, not because other people want you to do it," he said.

 

Barry played five AFL games after making his debut in round 15 last season.