Delisted St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross is still holding out hope of getting back onto an AFL list in 2025.
Ross was fully aware of the writing that was on the wall at the Saints, when, throughout the year, there was little to no talk of extending his time at the club.
The two-time Trevor Barker medallist (2017 and 2019) wasn't shocked by the decision but how "abrupt" the process was.
"I wasn't shocked by the decision. Being out of contract at this time of the year and being in the system for so long, I knew that that's the way it could go, but the shock probably lied in how abruptly it ended," Ross said on SEN.
The midfielder began his career at Moorabbin in 2012 and was a key piece once the centre was left vacant by the departures of Lenny Hayes, Brendan Goddard, Nick Dal Santo and Leigh Montagna.
However, the 31-year-old is still adamant that he can be an "asset" to any AFL club, especially given his "above average" performance metrics in midfield.
"I don't know the chances of it happening, but that was a discussion I was having with the Saints later in the year, that I still felt like I could go on," Ross added.
"I wanted to play on and checking with the high-performance staff and their metrics, and I was still an above average midfielder in all the high-speed meters per minute numbers.
"The body is able, and the mind is able, so I've got to wait until after the trade period if there's any list spots available, but I'd certainly be open to continuing on my career.
"(I'm a) bit realistic about the situation I'm in, and I understand that clubs have more priorities and list needs that they want to fill.
"So I'm happy to wait and keep fit in the meantime, and hopefully an opportunity bobs up because I think I still have AFL footy left in me and over my career, I was able to grow as a person and a leader, and I think that if any club were to take a chance on me, I'd be a real asset for them."
Ross has yet to speak to any clubs of yet but North Melbourne immediately springs to mind as a potential landing spot.
The Kangaroos have been clear in their desire to lure experienced talent to Arden Street to assist with the young brigade coming through, having looked at Luke Parker, Jack Darling, Jack Viney and Ollie Wines.
Ross played 211 games and kicked 36 goals in 13 seasons for the Saints.
He is wrapping up his finance and accounting University degree and will play local football if the AFL dream doesn't continue.
