Axed North Melbourne defender Ed Vickers-Willis has opened up on his delisting, believing the club didn't express much reasoning behind their decision as he looks to "seek clarity" from the Kangaroos.
After six seasons at Arden Street, Vickers-Willis revealed he learnt his fate over one quick phone call with Brady Rawlings.
โThere wasnโt a whole heap of clarity,โ he toldย SENโs Bob and Andy.
โItโs funny, youโre in the system for six years, youโre at the club for six years and it kind of all ends with a brief phone call.
โI guess thatโs just the nature of COVID these days. Normally that would be done in person in a typical exit meeting, but for me it was a brief phone call with Brady Rawlings.
โIn the coming days Iโll seek clarity for that.
โRight at the moment Iโm really focused on looking at what else is out there. I know there is the draft and rookie draft coming up, thatโs where my mind is at now.โ
The 24-year-old revealed he had held discussions with AFL clubs but is unsure of what is ahead as he looks for a second-chance in the league.
โThereโs whispers, but I think all the clubs are keeping their cards close to their chests. The rules are changing on everyone, every day,โ he replied when asked if any club has shown interest.
โI imagine that many of the clubs will wait until the draft as opposed to delisted free agency so for me it will be more looking to those drafts and rookie drafts. I think thatโs where the greater value is for clubs to try and snare players there.
โAs I said, itโs such a dynamic industry at the moment. People are just sitting and waiting and seeing. Iโm holding out hope for those drafts.โ
Vickers-Willis said he understands the Kangaroos' cut-throat list overhaul ahead of 2021.
โI think youโve got to be pragmatic and look at where North is and their list at the moment,โ he said.
โI think I could definitely play a role there, but Iโm at peace with where theyโve gone with it.
โI definitely think I can offer a lot to another AFL club.
โThere is that frustration when you get the call from the club. You think I havenโt really had that run at it, but I know that with some good training and a bit of luck I can really get the best out of myself in AFL footy.โ
Vickers-Willis played 21 games for North Melbourne after being drafted with the 36th overall pick in the 2014 draft.
