Former Fremantle and Melbourne midfielder Harley Balic has died, aged 25.

Balic, who was drafted to the AFL out of the Sandringham Dragons, passed away on Sunday morning.

A Victoria Police statement provided to Leader Newspapers said a report for the coroner would be prepared and the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Balic was drafted by the Dockers with Pick 38 in the 2015 national draft and played four games for the club in two seasons. He was also a Peel Thunder WAFL premiership player, finishing with 20 disposals in the 2016 grand final.

He was then traded to the Demons for Pick 65 in the 2017 trade period, but announced his sudden retirement after one year on Melbourne’s list as he no longer had the passion to play the game.

Harley Bennell, who was at the Dockers during Balic’s two seasons with the club, posted an image to his Instagram account of him, Balic and former Docker Shane Yarran, who passed away in April 2018, with the caption: “Rest easy my 2 brothers.”

Bennell also uploaded an Instagram story with another image that included him and Balic, along with the caption: “RIP my little HB … I’ll always love you little brother.”

“The Fremantle Football Club is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former player Harley Balic,” a Dockers statement read.

“Fremantle players, coaches, staff and directors extend their deepest sympathy to Harley’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert expressed his condolences to the Balic family on behalf of him, Balic’s former teammates and the entire football club.

“On behalf of the Melbourne Football Club, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Harley’s family at this difficult time,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with those closest to Harley, his teammates and the extended Melbourne family.”

When announcing his AFL retirement in August 2018, Balic said it was “an easy decision in the end”.

“It’s something I’m not going to regret and I’m very appreciative to Melbourne for letting me come to the club for a second chance,” Balic said.

“I’ve always loved football, but my heart’s not in it and everything ends up being a grind and I think it’s just the right thing to do.

“The (club’s) VFL and AFL (teams) are both going to be successful this year and it’s something I’d love to be a part of, if I loved it, but unfortunately I don’t and it’s time to go out into the real world and see what else is out there for me.”