Bradley Hartman Biography

Geelong parts ways with young midfielder Brad Hartman.

The 20-year-old has been on temporary leave from the club, spending time at home in South Australia over the past six weeks.

Hartman, his parents and AFL Players Association general manager Ian Prendergast met on Thursday and agreed the decision was in the best interests of all involved.

"Brad has had some issues meeting the professional standards expected of an AFL player and was at home considering whether or not he would continue," Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said.

"We have been in contact with Brad while he has been away and met with Brad and his family and advisors. During those discussions it became clear for all parties that stepping away from the game was the best course of action for Brad at this time of his life.

"The club will continue to offer support to Brad as he transitions away from the club. These situations, particularly in dealing with young players, are never easy, particularly as they play out in a public forum. We wish Brad all the best in all of his future endeavours."

Brad Hartman has returned home to South Australia indefinitely as he works through off-field issues.

Hartman and his parents recently met with Geelong's football manager, Steve Hocking and player development manager, David Johnson to discuss his future.

"Brad and his parents, Shirley and Rick, Dave Johnson and myself have met in the last 24 hours and Brad has approached us and requested time out of our program," Hocking said.

"We've been supportive of that, we've worked through that. [It] will be an indefinite period of time and everyone is comfortable with the fact that we've reached that decision."

Brad Hartman has been charged with leaving the scene of accident and failing to stop at a stop sign.

The 20-year-old was returning home to South Australia when the incident happened in St. Peter's late on Sunday afternoon. He clipped a parked car but continued driving.

Geelong said Hartman then arrived home and after talking with his father, informed police on Monday before being charged.

"We are disappointed and frustrated that Brad has been involved in this incident and believe there have been too many motoring related issues with our players in recent years," Geelong CEO Brian Cook said.

"Brad should have handled this differently by stopping and then providing his details at the time."

Bradley Hartman makes his AFL debut for Geelong at Kardinia Park with 14 disposals (6 kicks and 8 handballs), a mark and 5 tackles in a 96-point win over St Kilda.

Young Cat Brad Hartman endures a spectacular bicycle crash during the club's pre-season camp at Falls Creek but emerges unscathed.

"Poor old Brad went head-over and straight into the bush," Geelong recruit and teammate Hamish McIntosh said.

"I think he had a rough day. He had a couple of tumbles. But he was good. He's a really good kid and he's training hard."