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.
2. GWS
It's been much talked about, but the Giants will need reinforcements in 2023, with a host of players linked with an exit from the club.
In particular the potential losses of Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Tanner Bruhn will massively weaken the midfield stocks at the Giants in 2023.
Investing in a player like Stocker could be an option for the Giants as a replacement for Hopper, in particular.
They could offer him midfield minutes, he can get away from Victoria and just play his football.
If they can resurface and utilise the skills that made Stocker hot property as a youngster, he could become a shrewd pick up for the orange and charcoal.
At just 22, he fits the profile that they require to bounce back from what was a supremely poor season for GWS and working with the likes of Callan Ward, Tom Green and Stephen Coniglio could be beneficial for Stocker.
A fresh environment, led by new coach Adam Kingsley, could be just what Stocker needs to continue his AFL career.
