With clubs required to finalise their lists ahead of the upcoming draft, there are always a few unlucky players who find themselves on the chopping block.
With former delisted free agents such as Ricky Henderson and Jarryd Lyons making a strong impact at their new clubs, we take a look at the next wave of delisted players, why they should be given another shot at AFL level and where they could land.
In no order, here are five delisted players who deserve a lifeline:
After managing to keep Joe Daniher out of Sydney's clutches at the trade table, Essendon have delisted Brown on the final list lodgement day. The 29-year-old joined the Bombers in 2016, playing a crucial role in the absence of the club's banned players.
In 2019, Brown tallied three or more goals on four occasions, finishing the season with a career-best 21 goals from 16 games, proving his ability to compete at the highest level.
With Shaun McKernan and James Stewart ahead of him, the 70-game player was squeezed out of Windy Hill, but his versatility as forward and backman makes him an attractive prospect for clubs in need of key position depth.
Possible landing spots: Collingwood, Brisbane, Port Adelaide
The pint-sized forward was shopped around by Port Adelaide during the trade period, but couldn't find any suitors and was consequentially delisted on Thursday. The homegrown talent has spent six years at the Power, playing 96 games for the club after being selected in the 2014 rookie draft.
The 27-year-old has 83 career goals - including a six-goal haul in 2017 - but with five games of 30+ disposals to his name, his ability isn't just limited to the forward 50. Gray is an ideal target for club's looking for an experienced and gritty small forward who can rove a contest or win a one-on-one.
Possible landing spots: St Kilda, Sydney, Gold Coast
With Jake Kolodjashnij and Mark Blicavs cementing themselves in the backline, there was no room for Henderson at the Cattery, resulting in his delisting this off-season. Henderson has played just 13 games in the past two seasons with Geelong and will be hoping to find his fourth club in the coming days.
The former Lion and Blue has played 171 games since being drafted by Brisbane with pick eight in the 2007 national draft, operating as a tall utility player. Like Brown, Henderson's height and versatility will be valuable assets to clubs lacking tall security and with 11 years of AFL experience under his belt, the Geelong Falcons product should find a new home for 2020.
Possible landing spots: Adelaide, Gold Coast, North Melbourne
Just one year after playing a critical role in their premiership-winning season, Chris Masten is on his way out of West Coast. The arrival of Tim Kelly has left no room in the Eagles midfield for the 30-year-old, who was drafted as a part of the Chris Judd trade and is still reportedly keen to play on.
Masten is the most experienced player on this list at 215 games, but despite his veteran status, the wingman's athletic ability makes him an enticing recruit for teams on the hunt for outside midfielders. With Fremantle looking to replace the outgoing Brad Hill and Ed Langdon, Masten could find himself donning the purple and white next season.
Possible landing spots: Fremantle, Gold Coast, Melbourne
Townsend's heroics during the 2017 finals series will be etched into the memories of Richmond fans forever, but after playing just 20 games for the Tigers in four seasons, he'll be looking for a new club during delisted free agency.
Townsend began his career with GWS before making the move to Punt Road and earned cult-figure status following a five game stretch in 2017 where he bagged 16 goals, including two in the Grand Final, to deliver the club's drought-breaking flag.
Although Townsend is a prolific goalscorer, his forward 50 pressure is also an important aspect of his game, ranking 3rd for tackles per game in 2014 and 5th for inside 50 tackles per game in 2017. Townsend has said he's open to a return to GWS, but they could have plenty of competition when the free agency window opens on Friday.
Possible landing spots: GWS, St Kilda, Carlton