The best delisted AFL free agents
THE BEST DELISTED AFL FREE AGENTS
Michael Barlow
Former club - Fremantle
Age - 28, Games -126, Goals - 81
The ex-Docker onballer is arguably the pick of the delisted free agent bunch. He was a casualty of Ross Lyon's youth movement, but can still rack up possessions. Had 43 disposals and kicked two goals against Port Adelaide in round 13.
Will Minson
Former club - Western Bulldogs
Age - 31, Games - 191, Goals - 81
Minson was an All Australian in 2013 but it became quickly apparent he wasn't part of Luke Beveridge's plans. Managed 40 hitouts in one of his 10 games last year and would be a solid back-up to a ruckman-needy team.
Ricky Henderson
Former club - Adelaide
Age - 28, Games - 90, Goals - 43
The rebounding defender found himself down the pecking order under Don Pyke but could prove a handy pick-up. Has the versatility to play in attack.
Drew Petrie
Former club - North Melbourne
Age - 34, Games - 316, Goals - 428
Petrie was part of the shock cull that also claimed Brent Harvey, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito, but the key forward still feels like he has something to give. He can pinch hit in the ruck and looms as a short-term option for West Coast, who will be without Nic Naitanui next year.
Xavier Richards
Former club - Sydney
Age - 23, Games - 12, Goals - 13
The tall forward is keen to return home to Victoria but the Swans couldn't find a trade partner. Gained valuable experience when he played all four of Sydney's finals this year and at 23 still has plenty of upside.
Alex Silvagni
Former club - Fremantle
Age - 29, Games - 53, Goals - 10
The tall defender has had more than his share of injury struggles but showed what he's capable of when he won back his spot in the Dockers' back six for the last five games of the season.
Brad McKenzie
Former club - North Melbourne
Age - 23, Games - 37, Goals - 6
The former first-round draft pick struggled to establish himself in a strong North midfield and was delisted despite managing a career-high 14 games across half-back in 2016. A good ball user, who could add solid depth.
Jack Grimes
Former club - Melbourne
Age - 27, Games - 100, Goals - 11
The former co-captain managed just two senior appearances this season as coach Paul Roos gave time to younger players. Had 32 possessions in round 16 and was dropped the next week.
Jack Fitzpatrick
Former club - Hawthorn
Age - 25, Games - 25, Goals - 27
The former Demon sealed a top-four spot with a superb late-goal in round 23 and played both finals before he was cut after three games in his only season at the club. Still young for a ruckman and could have plenty of improvement left.
Mitch Brown
Former club - West Coast
Age - 27, Games - 94, Goals - 14
The key defender has been unlucky with injury - he's played just five games over the past two seasons - but should have suitors after he asked to be released by the Eagles to return home to Victoria.
