MARCUS Davies can appreciate the irony of his predicament.
In fact, although his AFL career is in limbo after being delisted by Carlton, the 22-year-old still cracks it for a laugh at his own expense.
"I've had surgery the last two pre-seasons, but I'm all good this year. The only problem is I don’t have a home," Davies told AFL.com.au.
The disciplined defender is hoping to rectify that at next month's NAB AFL National Draft, but accepts that his best chance is probably through the rookie draft.
The Tasmanian, who is currently enjoying some time with family and friends in his native Hobart, is prepared to go anywhere to continue his AFL career.
"There hasn’t been a whole heap of interest just yet, but hopefully there's a club who's willing to give me another chance because I definitely reckon I can be of value to someone out there," he said.
The No. 43 pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Davies played 17 games in four seasons at Carlton.
This tally includes three finals, two of which resulted in nail-biting losses on the road to the Sydney Swans (in his debut season, 2010) and West Coast (2011).
Davies was dropped just once while at Carlton. He played the last five games of 2010 and the last eight of 2011, before suffering his only omission late last season after returning from a long-term shoulder injury.
This year he played in rounds two and three, hard-fought losses to Collingwood and Geelong, but did a hamstring against the Cats and failed to break back into the side.
His VFL form was solid, but the Blues' backline was settled, with Andrew Walker and Kade Simpson being recast as defensive playmakers, Zach Tuohy cementing a lockdown role and the likes of Andrew McInnes and Josh Bootsma being selected ahead of him.
Davies admits he was frustrated at being overlooked, and disappointed when the axe ultimately fell, but remains positive about his future.
"Every player has things to work on, and I've got a few, but I believe I've still got a lot to offer, particularly with my pace and how I always stick to my role for the team," he said.
"Numerous players in my position will be saying the same thing, but I feel like I'm just getting to the stage where I'm very confident at VFL level and I'm ready to step up and become a regular AFL player.
"I just need the opportunity to string a few games together, like I did in my second year under 'Ratts' (Brett Ratten). And I need a coach to back me in.
"Mick (Malthouse) had his own ideas about the players he wanted to use back there and that's fair enough, and I'm not a backman who racks up 20 to 30 disposals like some of those other guys.
"But Mick was happy with my body size and my speed. Hopefully another club is too."
Failing another shot at a senior spot, Davies will return to the VFL or another state league with the aim of reigniting his AFL dream.
