Gold Coast SUNS forward Timmy Sumner has been granted personal leave, allowing him to step away from football and return to South Australia.

Sumner, who has regularly battled homesickness over the last 18 months, had been on an individualised program after returning to the club following last month’s AFL Players’ Association Indigenous Camp.

His program prior to being granted personal leave had been designed in consultation with Sumner, his manager and the GC SUNS’ player welfare and high performance teams.

General Manager – Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, said the club hoped an extended period at home with his family would reignite Sumner’s passion for the game.

“We’re committed to supporting Timmy and have been working with him, his family and his manager for some time.”

“We have reached a point where Timmy will be granted personal leave, allowing him to return home to spend time with his family,” Ashcroft said.

Ashcroft confirmed that GC SUNS player welfare staff and sports psychologist would remain in constant contact with Sumner and his family, as well as keeping the AFL Players’ Association updated while he is on personal leave.