Matthew Parker and Luke Strnadica won’t be able to return to their respective WAFL clubs an exemption for them to play for the remainder of the season was denied.

The West Australian Football Commission in consultation with the AFL have rejected the proposal for Parker to return to South Fremantle and Strnadica to return to East Fremantle after they walked away from Richmond and West Coast respectively.

Earlier this week Parker had announced he’d be leaving Richmond and returning to WA for personal reasons, with the Bulldogs hopeful he’d be able to suit up for their remaining five games.

The midfielder-forward played for the club in their finals series last season despite being contracted to Richmond after the club released him under the rules of the mid-season draft, where he was taken with pick 10.

Strnadica was set to play for the Sharks this season before he was picked up by the Eagles in the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period alongside teammates Hugh Dixon and Tom Joyce.

The ruckman played two games for the Eagles but stepped away from the club for personal reasons a fortnight ago.

Neither player would have been eligible for finals, with players needing to suit up for at least six games.

The AFL had precedent for an exemption after Carlton’s Tom Williamson quit the club before playing with North Melbourne’s VFL team.

WAFC WAFL and talent executive manager Scott Baker informed the clubs of the decision on Thursday.

“They can go and train back at their club but they won’t be able to play,” Baker said.

“This is due to the precedent set in the past, especially around the June 30 deadline and players not being able to transfer after.

“We respect both players’ personal situations but following the precedent set in the past with other players and the integrity of the competition, we believe this is the best decision.”

South Fremantle chief executive Cam Britt said the club respected and accepted the ruling.

“Our focus remains on West Perth on Saturday,” he said.

Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle, GWS forward Wade Derksen and Fremantle livewire Sebit Kuek are eligible to play for their former WAFL sides East Fremantle, Peel Thunder and East Perth should they make the finals under the AFL’s rules.

Kuek won’t play against his former side this weekend for the second time this year, but this time it will be because of a calf injury and not because the Royals denied him the chance.

Earlier this year East Perth rejected a request from Fremantle for the forward to suit up for Peel Thunder’s league side against them, with mid-season draftees not allowed to play against their club of origin unless given an exemption.