Carlton have cut ties with young defensive-midfielder Liam Stocker, while mid-season recruit Will Hayes has also been delisted by the club.

Stocker joined the Blues as the 19th pick of the 2018 National Draft, a selection that came after the Blues traded first-round picks with Adelaide on the night of the count in what was a league first.

The New South Wales-born product made his debut the following year against North Melbourne and would play five games that season in a backline role.

Stocker continued to hold down a role in Carlton's rearguard across the coming seasons, however missed all of 2020 after deciding not to remain in the club's Queensland hub, instead returning to Victoria.

The 22-year-old played 28 games for the Blues across four years, including six in 2022.

Hayes joined Carlton through this year's Mid-Season Draft as the 22nd and last pick of the draft.

After being delisted by the Western Bulldogs last year, hayes joined the Blues' VFL outfit, where he impressed before earning a lifeline through their AFL side.

Hayes played two games for the Blues this season, adding to his nine games in the blue, white and red.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Will Hayes of Carlton runs with the ball during the round 12 VFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at Windy Hill on June 11, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

โ€œLiam gave great effort during his four seasons here and while he was not able to solidify his place in the side this year, his capacity to continue to work hard was a testament to him,โ€ Blues list manager Nick Austin said in a club statement.

โ€œAlthough Will was only on the list for a short period of time, his efforts to earn a place in the side to play two games was a result of his work ethic.

โ€œWe thank both players for their contributions during their time at the Club and wish them all the best for the future.โ€

Stocker took to his Discord group in breaking his silence on the club's decision, stating "sometimes that's just footy".

"Don't stress. This community will stay strong, the support means a lot," Stocker wrote.

"I should point you that there isn't anything going on behind the scenes. I've just been delisted, and sometimes that's just footy.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Liam Stocker of the Blues is tackled by Marley Williams of the Kangaroos during the 2019 AFL round 07 match between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on May 05, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

"I'll be streaming soon everyone and I better see you there."

The pair of delistings follow the club's cullings of Jack Newnes, Oscar McDonald and Luke Parks last month.