Liam Anthony, Robbie Nahas among eight Kangaroos cut
North cuts eight players ahead of first list lodgement
NORTH Melbourne has delisted eight players as the club finalises its squad for 2015 ahead of Friday's list lodgment deadline, while it has upgraded Kayne Turner and Joel Tippett to the primary list.
Liam Anthony, Taylor Hine, Robin Nahas, Mitch Wilkins, Tom Curran, Cameron Delaney and rookies Tim McGenniss and Max Warren have all been shown the door.
Midfielder Kieran Harper, who gained some interest from the Western Bulldogs in the NAB AFL Trade Period, has been retained on the senior list.
Delaney is still contracted to North until the end of 2015 and it is understood that the Kangaroos intend to re-draft him in December's rookie draft.
The alternative would be to pay out his contract, which is considered highly unlikely.
The Roos were impressed by the scope for improvement that both Turner and Tippett displayed in their first seasons at Arden Street in 2014.
Turner, who turns 19 in December, formed a crucial part of North Melbourne's finals run.
The youngster's forward pressure earned him six senior games in the latter half of the year and he earned plenty of plaudits for his desperate smother in the Roos' thrilling semi-final win over Geelong.
Tippett also adds important key-position depth and managed four games last season, before a pectoral muscle injury cut him down.
Anthony, recruited with pick No.43 in the 2008 draft, is the Roos' highest-profile delisting with the 27-year-old playing 58 games in six seasons on North's list.
North director of football Geoff Walsh praised the outgoing players for their input during their time at the Kangaroos.
"It's always a tough time of year when players leave the club, but we thank each of them for their efforts and great contribution over the journey at Arden Street," he said.
"We wish them all the best for their future endeavours."
The Kangaroos will enter the draft on November 27 with picks No.16, No.25 and No.36.
I would like to thank @NorthKangaroos for all they have done for me over the last 3 years.. Unfortunately my foot can't (continued)