Check out all the retirements and delistings
DELISTED free agents can take on many forms. From the veteran that clubs recruit to add experience and set an example, to the youngster who just couldn't reach his potential in his first few years.
This year's crop has plenty of both – with some in between – and a handful should earn AFL lifelines when the first delisted free agency window opens on Wednesday, November 1.
Delisted players will also be able to move as free agents during a second (November 10-17) and third (November 25-26) window, so who will clubs be looking at?
Zac Clarke
The former Fremantle ruckman moved straight into a pre-season program once his rehab from a knee injury ended late in the season. He has been training while overseas with former teammate Matt de Boer and is desperate to get another go at AFL level. Two clubs have expressed an interest in putting Clarke through some testing when he returns.
Sam Collins
The key defender has returned home to Victoria after the disappointment of being delisted by Fremantle following a strong WAFL season that saw him named Peel Thunder's best and fairest. He has met with two Victorian clubs and would appear a good fit at North Melbourne, which needs to add depth to its backline and has a young list. Hawthorn, which had Collins under its nose at Box Hill between 2014-15, could also be an option. The 23-year-old is hopeful of earning a chance late in the NAB AFL Draft.
Stewart Crameri
A lack of footy in the past two seasons ultimately cost Crameri his spot at the Bulldogs, with a hip injury sidelining him from round nine onwards. The recruitment of Josh Schache also meant forward line spots would be tight, but Crameri could be a savvy pick-up for a club needing a third marking forward, like Melbourne. Now over his hip injury, the 29-year-old says his body and mind are fresh and he has a lot of footy ahead of him.
Crameri is looking for a third AFL club. Picture: AFL Photos
Billy Hartung
The speedster is one of the most enticing delisted players looking for another chance this year, given his strengths and the modern game's need for speed. It is his shortcomings, however, that ultimately led Hawthorn to delist the 22-year-old. If Hartung can improve his kicking and decision-making, he will have a future at AFL level. St Kilda is a club looking for outside run to complement its wealth of inside ball-winners. Hartung set career highs this year in disposals (22.1), metres gained (364.5) and score involvements (5.1), proving he is capable.
Heath Hocking
After seven senior games in three seasons – including just one in 2017 – Hocking faces an uphill battle to extend his AFL career into a 13th season. An excellent VFL campaign saw him rewarded with the club's best and fairest award, but teams looking for a ready-to-go inside midfielder might first look at younger options in the state leagues. Well set up away from the game, Hocking has also held discussions with Essendon about off-field options in 2018.
Lachlan Keeffe
The agile big man has met with three clubs, including two outside Victoria, and would appear a good fit for Greater Western Sydney as a defender who can pinch-hit in the ruck. Keeffe has been training with Alex Fasolo every day in a bid to keep his fitness up. He has expressed a willingness to move wherever needed to continue his AFL career after nine seasons with Collingwood, either as a delisted free agent or a rookie.
Keeffe could be a good pick-up for the Giants. Picture: AFL Photos
Ben Lennon
The delisted Tiger shapes as a player clubs will back themselves to get the best out of, given his promise as a junior and lack of opportunity at Punt Road Oval. Tried in a variety of positions through his time at Richmond, he played his best football at VFL level as a half-forward this year once settled. The Tigers' pressure forwards kept him out of the AFL team, but at 22 there is a lot of upside in the classy right-footer.
Aaron Mullett
At 25 and with 85 games on the board, Mullett is one of the best delisted free agents available after being surprisingly cut by North Melbourne. The half-back played 18 games in 2017 and averaged a career-high 20 possessions, but he fell victim to an aggressive youth policy at Arden Street. Hand and calf injuries were the only things that kept him out of the senior team this year. Both Fremantle and West Coast have extensive list spots to fill, and Mullett may prove a better option than a late draft pick.
Josh Prudden
The Western Bulldogs were reluctant to let such a hard-working player go, but the half-back only managed four games in five seasons because of injury. He was placed on the club's rookie list in 2017, but required constant management to get through hamstring problems this year. His body could no longer be trusted to get through games, and he is understood to be realistic about his chances of finding a new home in 2018. A rookie list spot for a club willing to take a chance is his best option.
Jake Spencer
Another ruckman in the delisted free agents pool, interest in Spencer has been limited so far. The 28-year-old has continued to train with former Melbourne teammates, however, after being delisted by the Demons. Port Adelaide might be an option for the ruckman after the Power traded Matthew Lobbe to Carlton.
Could Spencer end up at the Power? Picture: AFL Photos
Kade Stewart
Delisted by Hawthorn on Thursday, it is too early to tell if there will be interest in Stewart, but there should be. Recruited via the 2015 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, the South Fremantle product was cut after just seven senior games for Hawthorn. Having developed behind some champions of the game, opportunities were hard to come by, but he has shown he can be a handy goalkicker or an inside midfielder at VFL level. Worth a shot for a club looking for either.
Nick Suban
After 156 games with Fremantle across nine seasons, Suban is aiming to earn another chance at a club looking for senior reinforcements. Held in high regard for his leadership and professionalism, the 27-year-old would hope to follow in the footsteps of former teammates Matt de Boer and Michael Barlow, who have added experience to young lists. Has played his best football as a half-back and midfielder, but was often used as a high half-forward in recent seasons.
Sharrod Wellingham
The 29-year-old is searching for a third AFL club after being delisted by West Coast. A member of Collingwood's 2010 premiership team, Wellingham has fallen out of favour in recent seasons after playing a key role in the 2015 outfit that reached the Grand Final. He is exploring opportunities to continue his 171-game career, with his manager believing he can play for another three seasons. Delisted on Thursday, interested clubs are yet to come forward.
Wellingham is looking for another opportunity at AFL level. Picture: AFL Photos