AFL Delistings 2022: Stocker, Wallis and Narkle lead departures as dropped players hope for new homes

As another AFL season has come to a close, so has many players' contracts.

With a limited amount of list spots at every club, coaches and managers have to decide who they choose to go into battle the following year.

Following a busy trade period and an exciting draft night scheduled for Monday November 28, the squeeze at teams is real with a total of 84 players were delisted.

Unfortunately that means some don't make the cut as their dreams of playing elite football has come to an end, for the moment.

In 2022, there was a range 36-38 players on the senior list, with rookie players increasing that number to 44 if the club wishes, according to Fox Sports.

Now looking at some of the unlucky ones to depart, there are a select few whose dream can still be kept alive.

To re-join an AFL list, delisted players have three options:

1. Delisted Free Agency Period - A time where delisted free agent can be picked up by a new team. In 2022 there are three periods that run between:

• Thursday, November 3 (9am) - Wednesday, November 9 (5pm) (AFL Delisted Player Free Agency (1) Period)
• Friday, November 11 (9am) - Wednesday, November 15 (5pm) (AFL Delisted Player Free Agency (2) Period)
• Tuesday, November 29 10pm to 11pm (AFL Delisted Player Free Agency (3) Period)

2. Supplemental selection period - If a place on an AFL list becomes available during the off-season or pre-season due to another player's injury or retirement

3. Mid-season Draft - A draft in the middle of the AFL season that allows clubs to replenish lists

Here are some who could find a spot at a new club:

Liam Stocker - Carlton

Stocker was surprisingly delisted after four seasons and 28 games at the Blues.

Will Liam Stocker get a reprieve after being delisted by the Blues?

Follow Trade Talk Live for all the latest trade news and speculation 👇

— AFL (@AFL) October 12, 2022

A known midfielder, the 22-year-old struggled to break into the centre against the likes of Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra and George Hewett.

Stocker admitted the harsh realities of being delisted but is still a chance to find himself at a rival club.

If Carlton won't have him, teams like Essendon and Hawthorn would benefit from his inclusion into the side.

Stocker is tough and can win his own ball, which has been a problem for the Bombers and Hawks in recent times.

Mitch Wallis - Western Bulldogs

The father-son selection back in 2010, Wallis featured in 162 games and was one of the Bulldogs' best in 2020 before being delisted.

After 12 seasons and 162 games, Western Bulldogs' favourite son Mitch Wallis has departed the kennel. pic.twitter.com/oPX7HUYqFs

— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) October 16, 2022

However, over the past two seasons he's added 11 games (including some as the medical sub) and has fallen out-of-favour under Luke Beveridge.

Only 29-years-old, Wallis still has a few good years in his football career and would benefit around a young club.

Gold Coast immediately springs to mind as the former Dog can assist with training standards and commitment to being an AFL footballer.

Quinton Narkle - Geelong

Another surprising delisting in this year's crop but Chris Scott found it extremely hard to fit Narkle in the senior side.

Albeit the 2022 premiers, the youngster found it hard to break in consistently, tallying 41 games in five years.

With plenty of potential and talent, Narkle needs a fresh start at another club.

West Coast have expressed their interest in him and would make the most sense given he is from Perth.

However, North Melbourne should be one to look at Narkle given his ability to put speed on the ball between the arcs.

Could cut Cat Quinton Narkle be this year's biggest recruiting steal?

21 delisted players who could get another chance: https://t.co/kwXDjgHVlO pic.twitter.com/7MhDtUvryf

— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) October 17, 2022

Patrick Naish - West Coast

Naish was unfairly delisted at West Coast after 2022.

Dominated in the WAFL and added 11 games to his AFL career (previously at Richmond).

Consistently finds plenty of the ball and would complement a strong midfield group on the wing and at half forward.

A club like Hawthorn and St Kilda can benefit from a player like Naish, adding to the youth at both clubs.

Daniel Howe - Hawthorn

Delisted after 96 games for the Hawks, Howe still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

Entering his prime, 26, the midfielder has forged a career of being a run-with player and has taken some scalps throughout his time.

Howe would suit a side in their premiership window and would add some strong depth to the club.

Collingwood is a potential suitor given the inevitable retirements of Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom in the next few seasons. Taylor Adams is also struggling to keep his body fit.

Could Daniel Howe get another chance at AFL level after 96 games with the Hawks?

The delisted Hawk joins @sarahjolle and @JoshGabelich on @traderadio: https://t.co/l0rVqCITNx pic.twitter.com/UgyELlAfGz

— AFL (@AFL) September 29, 2022

Notable mentions: Callum Brown (Collingwood), Connor Blakely (Fremantle), Kayne Turner (North Melbourne).

2022 List of AFL Delistings

2022 total AFL Delistings (club-by-club)