Martin Clarke is to leave Australian Football Rules side Collingwood Magpies to return to Northern Ireland.
Clarke, a former Down minor star, joined Collingwood three years ago, on a two-year international rookie contract.
But he has revealed that a combination of home-sickness and his eagerness to become a teacher are the main reasons behind his decision to leave.
Read Colm McAlinden's blog: Wizard returns from Oz
"His return is a fantastic boost for County Down, and their new manager James McCartan," UTV's sport correspondent Colm McAlinden wrote on his blog.
"Talented though he is, one man does not make a team, and James McCartan certainly has his work cut out in making one of Ulster's sleeping giants into a force once again."
The last of Clarke's 46 AFL games was against Sydney in round 12 this year and he was named as an emergency for the preliminary final against Geelong.
Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh thanked Clarke for his contribution and commitment to the club.
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