BOOM Collingwood rookie Kyle Martin has suddenly retired from the AFL and is set to return to suburban football in 2015.

The Magpies wanted to retain the 24-year-old but instead Martin plans to go back to his working life as a plumber and play locally after spending two seasons at the Westpac Centre.

Martin decided the full-time demands of professional sport were not for him, in similar fashion to Carlton’s Nick Duigan last year.

TRADE WHISPERS: WHO’S GOING WHERE?

It shapes as a further blow to the Magpies after contracted premiership stars Heritier Lumumba and Dayne Beams requested trades.

Martin won his third consecutive VFL best-and-fairest on Friday night, shortly after confirming his decision to Collingwood chiefs.

media_camera Martin played six games for Collingwood in two seasons.

It is believed the Magpies were compassionate and had been in regular talks with Martin, leading to an amicable split.

“The AFL environment is demanding and not for everyone,” manager Nigel Carmody, from Elite Sports Properties, said last night.

“Collingwood has been tremendous in understanding his decision and making sure it was the right thing for him.”

The Herald Sun understands Martin is eyeing a return to Noble Park after managing six AFL appearances.

In Martin’s two years under coach Nathan Buckley he developed a major following with the fan base, triggered by his enormous VFL numbers.

The goalkicking midfielder averaged 27 disposals and slotted 28.21 from 15 games to lift Collingwood’s reserves into the finals this year.

Magpies VFL coach Dale Tapping suggested before this year’s Liston Trophy — where Martin was among the favourites — that he could be set for greater opportunities in 2015.

“He’s dynamic. He’s around the ball, he wins the footy and he finishes, has the ability to hit the scoreboard and kick goals. He’s completing a lot of the work,’’ Tapping said.

media_camera Martin booted seven AFL goals.

“His best footy is as an inside mid and he’s trying to squeeze out Beams, (Luke) Ball, (Scott) Pendlebury, those types. He can play a bit of a high forward role but generally he’s a ball winner and it’s about getting those opportunities in the AFL midfield.”

Since then Beams has declared he wants out and Ball retired.

Martin jetted off to South America on Saturday.

Martin was pushed to Frankston by returning Noble Park coach Mick Fogarty at the end of 2011, believing he was AFL standard.

The Magpies swiftly acted, rookie-listing the ball magnet after just one VFL season.