Jaden McGrath Biography

Despite being contracted until the end of the 2018 season, Jaden McGrath has decided to call time on his AFL career after losing his desire to play at the elite level.

McGrath, 20, signed a formal release from his contract this week with Brisbane, citing injury issues and a loss of motivation as factors behind his choice.

"It's a difficult choice to make but I want to be honest with myself and with the club – and I just don't have the desire to continue at the elite level," McGrath said in a statement.

"Football is something I love and I want to get back to a place where I can enjoy the game again.

"I'd like to thank my family and friends for all their support, and the club for giving me an opportunity to have a crack at AFL footy."

Jaden McGrath will be sidelined for two weeks after injuring his shoulder in the Lions' NAB Challenge match against the Giants, but has been cleared of a fracture.

"He injured his left centre clavicular joint," Lions' head of physiotherapy Shane Lemcke said.

"Fortunately he didn't fracture his clavicle but he’s still going to be out for a couple of weeks."

Jaden McGrath admits it was tough dealing with injury in his first season with Brisbane.

After debuting in round one and playing three matches, McGrath suffered a navicular bone fracture that derailed his season.

"In your first year, all you want to do is play footy and to make an impression, so to be in rehab the whole time was tough," McGrath said.

"When you're playing, your mind is pretty occupied with the game on the weekend, the game coming up, whereas when you're in rehab you have a lot of time to think about what's going on.

"It's tough, you miss home that bit more because you're not playing, but my family was really supportive and so were all the boys."

Originally contracted until the end of 2016, Jaden McGrath signs a two-year contract extension to remain in Brisbane.

"I'm over the moon to re-sign with the club," McGrath said.

"There are good times ahead."

Still recovering from a foot injury, McGrath is expected to re-join the main group when pre-season training resumes in January.

"I didn’t play a lot of footy over the year but getting the opportunity at the start of the season probably helped (with renewing my contract)," McGrath said.

"I spent a bit of time in rehab pre-Christmas with a bit of soreness through one of my shins but it’s more precautionary because of the stress fracture I had on the same foot this season.

"After Christmas I should be ready to get back into full training."

Jaden McGrath will miss eight to 12 weeks after suffering a stress reaction in the navicular bone in his foot.

Jaden McGrath makes his AFL debut for Brisbane at the Gabba with 14 disposals (7 kicks and 7 handballs), 5 marks and 2 tackles in a 12-point loss to Collingwood.