AUSTIN Wonaeamirri is unlikely to play for Melbourne again this season after the forward told Demons officials he was not ready to return from the Tiwi Islands.

Wonaeamirri, 22, was granted compassionate leave by the club in May following the deaths of his father Matthew and cousin Maurice Rioli. Coach Dean Bailey said at the time Wonaeamirri was "disconnected from his culture and his people" as he struggled to deal with the personal tragedies away from his home.

"With Aussie it's a combination of 100 different things and he wanted to come back to the Tiwi Islands and sort them out," Melbourne football manager Chris Connolly told the Herald Sun.

"We're 100 per cent supportive of that. Everyone knows Aussie lost his father earlier in the year. I lost my father as well, so I know exactly what he is going through.

"It's a very, very difficult situation and AFL footy is difficult enough without those sort of challenges thrown at you."

Connolly did say, however, that Wonaeamirri was part of the Demons' plans for the future and that the 31-game player would be welcomed back when he was ready to re-join the club.

"We've been supportive of Aussie not just as a footballer, [but] arguably more importantly as a person and he knows the door's always open," Connolly said.

"When he feels he's ready to come back and give it 100 per cent we'll welcome him back.

"He fits in with everything we're doing at Melbourne.

"He's an important component and he can certainly contribute on the field."