A SECOND discarded Kangaroo has found a new home, with defender Aaron Mullett signing as a delisted free agent at Carlton.
AFL.com.au reported on Tuesday that Mullett, 25, was poised to swap Arden St for Ikon Park, after Adelaide traded for durable wingman Sam Gibson in the NAB AFL Trade Period.
Both players were surprise casualties of North Melbourne's aggressive rebuilding strategy, with former Bomber Alex Morgan set to replace Mullett across half-back.
Mullett played 85 games in seven seasons for the Roos, including averaging a career-high 20 disposals in 18 matches this year between a broken hand and a calf injury.
Only All Australian backmen Michael Hurley, Michael Hibberd and Sam Docherty averaged more rebound 50s than Mullett in 2017, and he was second at North with 14 running bounces.
Mullett's arrival may pave the way for Docherty to play increased midfield time, as well as providing a long-term option with veteran Kade Simpson potentially entering his final season.
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Blues list manager Stephen Silvagni was pleased to add Mullett's "valuable experience" to the club's youthful list, and hinted he could play through the midfield on top of his defensive duties.
"Aaron showed his talents as an effective rebounding defender, however recently, he has also been pushing through the middle so we see some exciting versatility there," Silvagni said.
"With a strong pre-season campaign, we're confident Aaron will be in a position to cement a regular spot in our senior side in 2018.
"After another 13 list changes following the end of the 2017 season, our list is continuing to take shape and we're excited about Aaron joining the ranks under coach Brendon Bolton and his team."
Mullett will join Carlton's full playing group when the Blues start pre-season training on Monday, November 13.
