IRISH Kangaroo Red Og Murphy has quit the club halfway through his two-year contract to return home.

Murphy kicked a season-high two goals for North Melbourne's VFL side last weekend, but AFL.com.au understands he struggled with homesickness throughout this year.

His parents visited him in Australia recently and he has since decided not to play on next season.

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It is believed Murphy, who grew up in County Sligo, will resume studying from next week.

Murphy's departure comes in the same week his countryman Luke Towey began a trial with Gold Coast, as he tries to become the next Irishman to claim an AFL spot.



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As AFL.com.au previously reported, Ross McQuillan is set to join Essendon ahead of the 2020 season, adding to what is already a record number of Irishmen in the AFL.

The AFL-listed players from Ireland keep in regular contact and catch up weekly, but Murphy is not the first Irishman to depart early after struggling being so far away from home.

Carlton's Ciaran Byrne, Lion Cian Hanley – brother of Suns star Pearce – and West Coast's Paddy Brophy are among the most recent examples.