THE MELBOURNE Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Harley Balic, following his tragic passing at the age of 25.

Balic joined the Demons from the Fremantle Dockers at the end of 2017 and was part of the playing list for one season before calling time on his AFL career.

He played 11 matches and kicked 16 goals for Melbourne’s VFL affiliate Casey during his time at the club, adding to the four senior games he had tallied with the Dockers.

CEO Gary Pert passed on his condolences to the Balic 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,” he said.

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

Originally from Mordialloc-Braeside/Sandringham Dragons, Balic was drafted by Fremantle with selection No.38 in the 2015 AFL Draft.

He made his AFL debut in 2017 before returning to Victoria later that year due to personal reasons.

At the age of 21, Balic announced his retirement from the game, having lost his passion to play.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.