LESS than 48 hours after crashing out of the AFL finals series in straight sets, West Coast has received a hammer blow, with the news that skipper Chris Judd is leaving the club to return to Melbourne.
The club confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon in Perth, saying Judd met with coach John Worsfold and informed him of his intention to return to Melbourne to live closer to his family.
In a statement, the club said it was “extremely disappointed with the decisionâ€.
Judd's manager Paul Connors said Judd was yet to meet with any clubs in Melbourne at this stage.
Judd, 24, was taken by the Eagles at pick three in the 2001 NAB AFL Draft, and has been a standout ever since.
In addition to his 2006 premiership medallion, the 23-year-old has a 2005 Norm Smith Medal, two club champion awards, an AFL Players Association MVP award and has captained West Coast since 2006.
He has been plagued by a groin problem since the middle of 2007, which has meant he's missed four games and requires post season surgery.
A media conference with Eagles chief executive officer Trevor Nisbett and Worsfold will take place on Monday.