• Check out every confirmed move on the Trade Tracker
• Who's on the move? Nick Bowen tracks 2016's free agents
• Keep track of the latest retirements, delistings and trades

THIS year's NAB AFL Trade Period was tipped to be one of the busiest on record but chronic delays with the Jaeger O'Meara, Bryce Gibbs and Dion Prestia deals meant many lesser lights failed to find new homes.

So who are best players who did not find a home in the trade period?

AFL.com.au has compiled a list that includes players likely to re-sign with their clubs and those who will be seriously considered in the delisted free agency period, which opens on November 1, and the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft later that month.

Michael Barlow
The out-of-contract midfielder's time at Fremantle appears up. Rival interest in the 28-year-old was limited during the trade period, but as a delisted free agent he could appeal to teams looking to add midfield depth.

Ricky Henderson
The Crows defender has attracted interest in his native Victoria after Adelaide informed him it was not in a position to offer him a new contract. A strong chance to find a new home.

Zac Clarke
The Fremantle free agent is getting closer to re-signing with the Dockers having fielded rival interest as an unrestricted free agent this year. 

Mitch Brown
The key defender wants to return home to Victoria after 94 games in 10 seasons with West Coast. After being overlooked in the free agency period, his best hope of being picked up will be as a delisted free agent. 

Xavier Richards
The versatile Swans tall requested a last-minute trade home to Victoria but attracted no genuine offers. Swans football chief Tom Harley said on Thursday the club would look to reopen talks with Richards, but he remains set on a move if he can find an interested club. 

Dean Towers
The 189cm Swans utility attracted interest from the Brisbane Lions and Victorian clubs late in the year. Harley said on Thursday the club would continue talks with Towers, but his chances of finding a new home appear good if he decides on a move.

Jarryd Blair
The small forward should re-sign with Collingwood, with the parties in a good position to negotiate a new deal now the trade period is over.

Tom Lonergan
Geelong is keen for the veteran defender to play on in 2017 but the 32-year-old has yet to announce his plans. Remains a key part of the Cats' backline so we expect him to continue.

Drew Petrie
The former Roo spearhead is hoping to extend his career at West Coast. The Eagles took Geelong forward/ruckman Nathan Vardy on the last day of the trade period, but are likely to add another experienced tall to help cover Nic Naitanui's absence in 2017, so Petrie's hopes remain alive. 

Dylan Buckley
One of a host of out-of-contract Carlton players kept in limbo during the trade period, the running defender's future at Ikon Park will be decided soon. Played just 11 games in 2016 but, at 23, seems well placed to earn another contract. 

Andrejs Everitt
Spent time in the VFL this season and could be forced out of Carlton as the club looks to get game time into younger players. Almost made his way to Gold Coast in last year's trade period and, at 27, will have some appeal if he becomes a delisted free agent.

Josh Green
The Tasmanian small forward was hoping for a trade away from the Gabba and appears a long shot to return. Has been linked to Essendon and could find his way there in the pre-season draft. 

Mitch Clark
The Cats face a tough decision on the key forward given injury has denied him an extended run to cement a senior position. However, Aaron Black's arrival via a trade with North Melbourne suggests he could be on the way out.

Angus Litherland
The 192cm defender fell out of favour this year after playing 2016's opening four rounds but, at 24, could be retained by the Hawks with Josh Gibson nearing the end of his career. Likely to get an opportunity at a rival club if the Hawks opt not to re-sign him. 

Cam O'Shea
In a market where demand for key defenders is strong, the 24-year-old Victorian would likely attract interest if Port can't find room for him on its list next year.