The AFL community is mourning the death of former Fremantle midfielder Harley Balic, who passed away over the weekend just days after his 25th birthday.

Balic, whose death isn’t being treated as suspicious, played four games for the Dockers after being drafted in 2015.

A homesick Balic was granted personal leave from the club before being traded to Melbourne at the end of 2017, but failed to play a game for the Demons before announcing his retirement in August, 2018 at the age of 21.

“It was an easy decision in the end, as I’ve thought about it for a little while now,” he told club media at the time.

“I’ve always loved football, but my heart’s not in it and everything ends up being a grind and I think it’s just the right thing to do.”

Demons CEO Gary Pert released a statement on behalf of the club on Tuesday, passing on his condolences to Balic’s family and teammates.

“On behalf of the Melbourne Football Club, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Harley’s family at this difficult time,” Pert said.

“Our thoughts are with those closest to Harley, his teammates and the extended Melbourne family.”

Fremantle also released a statement today, saying the club was “saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former player Harley Balic”.

“Fourteen players on Fremantle’s AFL list were teammates with Balic during his time at the Club in Griffin Logue, Sean Darcy, Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters, Luke Ryan, Nathan Wilson, Connor Blakely, Ethan Hughes, David Mundy, Darcy Tucker, Matt Taberner, Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox,” the statement read.

“Fremantle players, coaches, staff and directors extend their deepest sympathy to Harley’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh released a statement on behalf of the organisation.

“All at the (AFL Players’ Association) are deeply saddened by the passing of former (Fremantle) and (Melbourne) player Harley Balic, we extend our sincere condolences and support to his loved ones and former teammates,” Marsh said.

Former Fremantle and Melbourne player Harley Bennell posted a photo of himself with Balic and forward Shane Yarran, who died in April 2018, with the caption: “Rest easy my 2 brothers.”

Current Fremantle stars, including Darcy, Pearce and Wilson showed their support by posting purple love hearts on Bennell’s Instagram post, while former Docker Bradley Hill and GWS star Bobby Hill left red hearts.

Former Fremantle and Carlton midfielder Josh Deluca - who won a flag alongside Balic and Yarran in the Dockers’ reserves team, Peel Thunder, in 2016 - wrote “RIP”.

Brisbane Lions veteran Mitch Robinson took to Twitter to offer his condolences.

“Sad, Sad news about Harley Balic,” he wrote. “Thoughts are with his close friends and family, only 25 taken too soon!”

Collingwood AFLW star Steph Chiocci said she was “saddened to hear” of the former pick 38’s passing.

“A former Parkdale SC student and one of the most talented junior footballers I had the pleasure of witnessing. So athletic and agile and could run all day. Rest easy, Harley,” she said.

Collingwood Football Club wrote: “Check in on your family and friends. RIP” in response to 7AFL’s Twitter post that read: “Rest in peace Harley Balic. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

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