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.
4. Richmond
Now this would be an interesting one.
It is widely reported that the Tigers had their eyes on drafting Stocker in 2018 with the 20th selection before the Blues jumped in at 19 to nab him.
Four years later, the Tigers could return to the fold to rejuvenate Stocker's career.
Given they were after Stocker, the Tigers would have done lots of work around him as a youngster, knowing his strengths, weaknesses and his character.
With Trent Cotchin getting towards the final stage of his career and Dustin Martin continuously linked away from the club, the Tigers might be after young midfield talent for 2023 and beyond.
On top of this, Dion Prestia has had injuries hamper his year this season which, combined with other absentees, has hurt the Tigers in a few moments this year.
Stocker would be joining a winning culture and could thrive in that type of environment where the coaches have confidence in him and his abilities as well as a tendency to give youngsters a chance.
Having Stocker lining up in that Richmond engine room against the Blues in Round 1 next season would make for very intriguing viewing.
