MORE than 70 discarded footballers will be jostling for an AFL lifeline when the first delisted free agency window opens on Friday.

 

Under the free agency system, now in its second year, delisted players can be signed by a club of their choice without the need to enter into the NAB AFL Draft or pre-season draft.

 

Among those looking for new homes are premiership heroes, first-round draft picks and talented youngsters who, for one reason or another, found themselves out of favour at their old clubs.

 

Here, AFL.com.au identifies those most likely to be picked up during one of the three delisted free agency periods, running from November 1-13, 15-18 and 22-25:

Age: 31 Career games: 237

The two-time premiership big man seems a good chance of continuing his career, and would hold appeal to a club in need of a ready-made back-up ruckman. Was cut down by injury in his final season at the Magpies, playing only nine senior games, and the rapid rise of Brodie Grundy served to seal his exit. Has been linked to St Kilda.

 

Age: 26 Career games: 105

Yet to be officially cut by Richmond, but has signalled his intention to leave, and has been linked with a move back to his home state of Queensland and the Brisbane Lions. After playing his early career as a defender, the 192cm 26-year-old has shown some ability as a forward in the past two seasons, booting 35 goals in 21 games.

 

Age: 26 Career games: 88

A former second-round NAB AFL Draft selection, Addison spent his first six years at the Western Bulldogs primarily in defence, before being turned into a defensive forward in 2012. Was in and out of the Bulldogs' team this season, playing 12 senior games. Does have talent, and as a New South Welshman might be a good fit at Greater Western Sydney.

 

Age: 26 Career games: 87

The tough onballer was a regular in the Port Adelaide side between 2010 and 2012, but managed only four senior games this year under new coach Ken Hinkley. However, he showed strong form at SANFL level, winning the Magarey Medal as the competition's best and fairest player. Would provide instant value to a club looking for a mature body in the midfield.

 

Age: 21 Career games: 32

After showing promise in his first two years on the Gold Coast, the nuggety midfielder had an ordinary season in 2013, managing only four senior games. His best performance came in round 23, when he racked up 27 disposals, but that wasn't enough to save him from the axe. Said on radio this week he had spoken to several Melbourne-based clubs, with St Kilda his preferred destination.

 

Age: 24 Career games: 26

Played some good football in defence for Carlton after transferring from Geelong at the end of 2010, but found himself on the outer with new coach Mick Malthouse this season. Asked by Malthouse to play as a forward in the VFL in a bid to win his senior spot back, Laidler struggled to find peak form. Removed himself from the Blues' list at the end of the season, and will look to find a new club and return to his more familiar defensive role.

 

Age: 21 Career games: 8

The West Australian midfielder delisted himself from St Kilda after being told by coach Scott Watters in the lead-up to the Gillette Trade Period that he was only a 50-50 chance to hold his place for next year. Has shown signs in his brief career to date, and will be hoping to convince a club that he can thrive with a change of scenery.

 

Age: 20 Career games: 1

An All Australian at under-18 level, Forster's early career with Fremantle was hindered by hip surgery. A versatile mid-sized defender, he managed one senior game in 2013, but could not establish himself in Ross Lyon's team. After being delisted, the South Australian cancelled a planned holiday to Bali in order to focus on his fitness in the hope of winning a second chance.