ADELAIDE star Eddie Betts has posted an emotional message of support for former teammate Chris Yarran, who has walked away from his contract with Richmond to focus on his battle with mental health issues.

Yarran effectively retired on Tuesday, forgoing the final two years of his contract to return home to Western Australia and be closer to family support.

It is understood Yarran has not ruled out playing at some level next season, and under the terms of his release he would be eligible to play in the WAFL.

Betts, who played alongside Yarran for five seasons at Carlton between 2009 and 2013, said it was hard to see his former sidekick leaving the elite level in tough circumstances.

Tigers release Yarran from contract

"It is so hard to see you finish like this but you'll always be the biggest gun in my eyes," Betts wrote on social media.

"I have missed playing beside you but I'll always be here for you.

"To all my brothers in AFL, I know it can get tough at times but we just have to speak up and help each other out … it's hard seeing young indigenous players pack up and leave.

"Mental health doesn't discriminate."

Betts also called on fans to "keep your commentary on this topic appropriate".

"You never know what people are suffering from," he said. "These types of situations need support and understanding, not jokes or ridicule."

Chris Yarran and Eddie Betts celebrate a win with Carlton in 2012. Picture: AFL Photos





Given Yarran's decision to walk away from his remaining two-year contract, the Tigers will not face any payout implications in their 2017 salary cap.

On what was described on Tuesday night as a "gut-wrenching day", the Tigers, Yarran and his manager Paul Connors all agreed it would be best for Yarran and the club to part ways.

While it appeared to be a sudden exit, just a day after returning to training with teammates and smiling with supporters, Connors said Yarran's future had been a talking point with the club for a long time.

"It's a sad day," Connors said. "For what it's worth, Chris has really tried hard for Richmond supporters out there."

Connors said the foot injury Yarran suffered in his first pre-season with the club, which eventually required surgery, had proved pivotal in his short-lived time at the club.

The high profile recruit's inability to prove his worth to his new teammates might also have contributed to his mental health issues.

"That brought on many issues of anxiety that he couldn't get on the track and show his new teammates (what he could do) … deep down that's what's hurting him," Connors said.

"He knows he's a really good player, he showed glimpses of it, but he just couldn't do it last year."

Yarran played 119 games for the Blues and thrilled supporters at his peak with his classy movement, both as a clever small forward or dashing half-back.

He crossed to the Tigers in the final half-hour of the 2015 NAB AFL Trade Period in exchange for pick No.19, which the Blues used to select David Cuningham.

In a statement released on Tuesday he said he was deeply disappointed his ongoing health issues had "not allowed me to repay the club and its supporters".