Exciting Bombers youngster Irving Mosquito has officially walked away from the AFL at just 21, declaring he “didn’t have the passion” to make it back after a serious knee injury.

Mosquito quickly became a Bombers’ fan favourite despite playing just four games, after being snapped up as pick 38 in the 2018 AFL Draft.

He kicked two goals on debut in the Dreamtime clash against the Tigers back in round 13, 2020, but they would become his only goals in the AFL as an ACL injury put an end to his promising career.

Irving confirmed on Monday his time in the AFL was over as he settles back into life in Halls Creek.

“It was a pretty tough decision to come to, and I had to weigh up whether I could commit to a full 12-month recovery program to get my knee right. In the end, I realised I didn’t have the passion that was required to get back so it’s the right time to consider life away from football,” he said.

“The club has been great with their support of me and my family, I can’t thank them enough.

“I will miss my teammates and being at the club every day. I wish the boys well for next season, I’ll always love this club.”

In a statement, the Bombers confirmed Irving would not be at the club in 2022, along with Ned Cahill and Lachie Johnson.

“Since he arrived at the club at the end of 2018, we have closely supported Irving to settle into Melbourne whilst balancing and maintaining a strong connection to his community back in Halls Creek.

“After Irving sustained the ACL injury in September last year, he was open with us about his lack of motivation and desire to play at an AFL level again, and we had granted him time away from the club to return back home to Halls Creek to best support him to make an informed decision on his AFL career moving forward.

“While this was not an easy decision for Irving, he feels it will be best for him to return to Halls Creek to start the next chapter of his life, and we understand that.”

Cahill departs after just six games at the Bombers — three in 2019 and three more in 2020.

Johnson, the son of triple Lions premiership player Chris, didn’t make an AFL debut after being snapped up in the 2019 draft.

SAINTS DELIST TWO

St Kilda has bid farewell to duo Oscar Clavarino and Sam Alabakis.

Alabakis, the equal tallest player ever on an AFL list, departs without playing a senior game after three seasons on the list.

Clavarino played five games in 2021, including one as the unused medical sub.

“While these decisions are part of the business of football, they are never easy,” Saints head of list management James Gallagher said.

“Both Oscar and Sam are both well-liked players who have really grown and developed during their time with the club.

“We thank them for their dedication to the Saints and wish them all the best for the next chapter in their lives.”