Former Fremantle forward Max Duffy will pursue a career as an NFL punter in a stunning departure from the WAFL.

The 23-year-old will relocate to Melbourne in the next month after being accepted into a national academy that trains NFL prospects for the American college system.

Duffy has been released from the second year of his contract with West Perth to take up the opportunity.

He is bidding to join an exclusive group of AFL footballers, including former Geelong captain Ben Graham and Collingwood and North Melbourne spearhead Saverio Rocca, to reach the highest ranks of American gridiron.

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Duffy played three AFL matches for Fremantle before being de-listed at the end of the 2015 season.

Relatively short by punting standards at 184cm, the right-footer told West Perth’s playing squad of his decision on Monday night.

He is joining the Prokick Australia academy run by former Hawthorn and Brisbane utility player Nathan Chapman, who enjoyed a short stint as a punter with NFL powerhouse Green Bay Packers.

Camera Icon Max Duffy in action for West Perth. Credit: Mogens Johansen, The West Australian

Falcons football manager Ward Harris said the sporting switch had come as a surprise.

“I was aware that he was looking at doing some testing to see if he was up to it,” Harris said.

“I found out that he’d been accepted into the NFL academy.

“Depending on how it goes, he’ll then get accepted to head over to the US in July or early next year. It’ll be an interesting opportunity for him.

“I don’t think it’s something I would have foreseen when we signed him last season. It was definitely surprising, but I know how much Max loves his American sport.”

The move mirrors the code switch first achieved by WA trailblazer and inaugural West Coast squad member Darren Bennett.

Bennett, who played four games for the Eagles before becoming a two-time leading goal kicker at Melbourne, is Australia’s greatest NFL success story.

The East Fremantle product played an Australian-record 159 NFL games and was named in the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame after moving to the United States following his retirement from AFL.