Fremantle have confirmed the departure of AFL assistant coach Barry Mitchell, who will return to Melbourne for family reasons.

Mitchell, whose son Tom has been drafted by the Sydney Swans, joined Fremantle as their midfield coach in November 2008 after a stint at Hawthorn as coach of VFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks.

The former Sydney, Collingwood and Carlton rover, who notched up 221 games in his 13-year career, said a desire to be closer to family in Melbourne and his son in Sydney prompted the move.

"Although Tom is going to be in Sydney with the Swans and we'll be in Melbourne, we will still be a lot closer to him," Mitchell said.

"We've really enjoyed our time here and the departure is amicable, but it's time to go back home to be closer to family and friends, and pursue other opportunities.

"I've learnt a lot during my time at Fremantle, made some great friendships and will look back on my time here fondly."

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