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.
“There wasn’t a whole heap of clarity,” he told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“It’s funny, you’re in the system for six years, you’re at the club for six years and it kind of all ends with a brief phone call.
“I guess that’s 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.
“In the coming days I’ll seek clarity for that.
“Right at the moment I’m really focused on looking at what else is out there. I know there is the draft and rookie draft coming up, that’s where my mind is at now.”
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.
“There’s whispers, but I think all the clubs are keeping their cards close to their chests. The rules are changing on everyone, every day,” he replied when asked if any club has shown interest.
“I 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 that’s where the greater value is for clubs to try and snare players there.
“As I said, it’s such a dynamic industry at the moment. People are just sitting and waiting and seeing. I’m holding out hope for those drafts.”
Vickers-Willis said he understands the Kangaroos' cut-throat list overhaul ahead of 2021.
“I think you’ve got to be pragmatic and look at where North is and their list at the moment,” he said.
“I think I could definitely play a role there, but I’m at peace with where they’ve gone with it.
“I definitely think I can offer a lot to another AFL club.
“There is that frustration when you get the call from the club. You think I haven’t 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.”
Vickers-Willis played 21 games for North Melbourne after being drafted with the 36th overall pick in the 2014 draft.