ZEPHANIAH Skinner's decision to walk out on the Western Bulldogs has put the issue of recruiting indigenous players back in the AFL spotlight.

Skinner, who battled homesickness for the past two years, informed the club yesterday he no longer had the desire to play AFL.



The high-flying forward is expected to return home to Nookanbah in remote Western Australia, after playing eight games at the Kennel.



It is understood Skinner was positive about continuing his career when he left for his end-of-season break but changed his mind upon his return to Whitten Oval.



Despite his homesickness issues, Skinner's news came as a surprise to the club.

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"Zephi this morning told his teammates he will be retiring from AFL football and returning home to be with his family and community, where he feels a strong sense of responsibility," list manager Jason McCartney said.



"We really didn't want to lose Zephi, as he is a well-liked person here, but respect his decision to return home to his family."



Skinner's departure adds to the concern about indigenous player retention at AFL level. Three senior football officials yesterday said alarm bells were ringing and encouraged the AFL's multicultural department to investigate.



Indigenous players who have recently left the game include Liam Jurrah and Kelvin Lawrence (Melbourne), Nathan Krakouer (Gold Coast), Nathan Djerrkura (Bulldogs), Troy Taylor and Relton Roberts (Richmond) and Rhan Hooper (Brisbane).



Approximately five indigenous players will be added to AFL lists for next season, including two at next Thursday's national draft.



High on the list of concerns is a lack of indigenous coaching and welfare resources at AFL clubs.



Only five clubs have an indigenous assistant coach or welfare officer - West Coast, Bulldogs, Fremantle, Hawthorn and Gold Coast. Skinner was taken with pick No.88 in the 2010 national draft.

Originally published as Skinner pulls pin on Dogs career