IRISHMAN Niall McKeever was among four players cut by the Brisbane Lions on Monday as the club prepares for the NAB AFL Draft.
Rookies Callum Bartlett, Stephen Wrigley and Richard Newell were also delisted following the Lions' post-season review.
McKeever, who was recruited from County Antrim in Ireland, departs after four seasons and 22 games with the club, having started his career as a rookie.
With no Australian Football experience, the Irishman spent his first season developing with the Lions reserves before making his debut in round 14, 2011.
He played roles all over the ground but could manage only three senior matches this season.
McKeever, Bartlett and Newell all played in the Lions' reserves Grand Final win over Aspley in the NEAFL, while Wrigley remains sidelined after rupturing his ACL during the pre-season.
General manager of football operations Dean Warren passed on the club’s best wishes to each of the four players.
"Everyone at the Brisbane Lions would like to sincerely thank these young men for their professionalism and commitment to the club during their time here," Warren said.
"We wish them only the best for the future."
Bartlett, who was recruited with pick No.27 at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, spent four injury-riddled seasons in Brisbane and did not play a game.
He began his time with the club knowing he would require further rehabilitation from a torn ACL early and he had a second full knee reconstruction midway through his debut season with the Lions.
Newell, who was selected with pick No.57 at the 2011 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, was the Lions' first NSW/ACT scholarship player.
He made a name for himself as a run-with player for the Lions' reserves and has since formed part of the team’s midfield in the NEAFL.
Wrigley, who played three AFL games in 2012, arrived at the club as a highly credentialed mature-age recruit from Labrador.
However, his 2013 season finished before it even started, with the 26-year-old rupturing his ACL during a reserves practice match and undergoing a full knee reconstruction.
