After being a part of draft history, Liam Stocker's time at the Blues has come to an end after the club announced that he would not be offered a new contract for next season on Monday.
Coming into the 2018 draft as the Morrish medallist of that year, Stocker became part of a National Draft first with the introduction of live pick swapping amongst clubs.
Ranked as one of the top talents of the draft class by Carlton, the club famously swapped their future first-round pick for Pick 19 and Adelaide's future first-round selection in order to jump in and secure Stocker - effectively becoming Pick 4 for Stocker and Pick 9.
Regarded as an elite kick on both feet and a contested bull at under 18 level, the swap received mass attention and showed the Blues' willingness to secure Stocker ahead of other clubs.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Stocker's time at IKON Park, playing just 28 games across four seasons and the 22-year-old will now be on the lookout for a new home to reignite his career.
Earlier this year, Stocker also bravely opened up on his battle with anxiety and the effects it has had on his career so far.
Despite his struggle for consistent game time, his delisting came as a shock to many, with fans and pundits torn on the decision given the large investment made at the National Draft.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
While he came through as a midfielder, Stocker plied his trade as a defender at Carlton given their stack of talent in the midfield and could look for an opportunity in the middle elsewhere.
Nonetheless, we've come up with five teams that could use a Stocker-like player in 2023 and give the 22-year-old a new home to flourish at.
1. Hawthorn
If 2022 is anything to go by, Sam Mitchell will continue to have a heavy focus for youth in his improving Hawks side.
With talks of an exit for Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell, there could be a midfield spot for Stocker at the Hawks.
While Giant Tanner Bruhn looks likely to make his way to Hawthorn, picking up Stocker as a delisted free agent would be an added bonus.
He's ready-made, young and would be working under one of the greatest midfielders of the modern generation - where if he could learn just a few tricks from Mitchell, it would go a long way for Stocker.
Stocker would become a key part of a young side that is brimming with more confidence every week and is definitely a side that should be putting work into Stocker this off-season as they look to inject more AFL-ready youth into their side in 2023.
