Tadhg Kennelly has decided to turn his back on GAA in favour of a return to the ranks of professional sport in Australia.
Kennelly has been weighing up his future since helping Kerry win the All-Ireland SFC title in September and informed the Kerry County Board on Friday of his decision to return to Aussie Rules.
The 28-year-old won a Premiership medal with Sydney Swans in 2005 and is likely to return to the New South Wales club, although it has been reported that Melbourne club St Kilda are interested in signing the player.
Confirming the news, Jerome Conway, chairman of the Kerry County Board, said: "Tadhg has notified us officially that he is returning to Australia. I suppose as things were turning out over the last few weeks, it is no great surprise to us now.
"He did very well while he was here. He fulfilled his burning ambition to win an All-Ireland senior medal and emulate his late father. He certainly helped Kerry's cause in a big way this year.
"His contribution as a coach out in North Kerry has been invaluable. He left a lasting impression with the youngsters he came in contact with."
Kennelly's decision to return to Australia will come as a major blow to Kerry with Tommy Walsh already committed to St Kilda and David Moran hoping to secure a similar deal.
"Tadhg's departure now means we have lost three top players and that is not counting any who might be contemplating retirement."