Former number one draft pick Tom Scully is stepping away from the AFL due to “personal circumstance”, Hawthorn has confirmed.

The star midfielder had missed the past fortnight of training ahead of the final year of his three-year deal at the Hawks.

The club confirmed Scully would step away from the club in a statement on Monday.

“Tom has requested time off from his football commitments due to personal circumstances,” a Hawthorn spokesperson told AFL.com.au.

“Hawthorn is fully supportive of Tom's request and remains in regular communication with Tom to provide him with any support required.

“The club ask that Tom's privacy is respected at this time and will provide a further update when available.”

Scully has played 35 games for the Hawks since arriving at the club as a trade steal from GWS back in 2018.

A former number one draft pick for Melbourne, the Hawks coughed up only a future fourth round pick to lure Scully south, despite his future being clouded by a serious ankle injury.

He has played 187 AFL games, including 31 at Melbourne and 121 at GWS, since being taken in the 2009 AFL Draft.

Scully is now the second Hawk to step away from the club in recent weeks, following news Jonathon Patton was admitted to hospital after several women came forward with allegations against him of lewd social media behaviour.

Patton was stood down days after the first woman came forward and remains away from the club as the AFL’s Integrity Unit investigates.

In a statement, the Hawks confirmed Patton’s mental health was a concern.

“Jonathon’s welfare remains a priority and we continue to provide him with the support he requires,” the club’s chief executive officer Justin Reeves said in message to its members on Monday.

“The club continues to work with the AFL in relation to the allegations made against Jonathon Patton and will provide a further update when appropriate.”