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.
5. St Kilda
Like most teams on this list, the Saints will be in the hunt for young, AFL-ready talent to add to their list, and for as little cost as possible.
With Dan Hannebery retired and the likes of Bradley Hill, Ben Long, Zak Jones, Jack Billings and Jade Gresham named as players that could depart from RSEA Park this off-season, Stocker could be the perfect player to come in and at least supply solid depth in the midfield.
While Jack Steele and Brad Crouch lead the midfield, having Stocker play in that midfield would add further toughness and ball-winning ability if they can get the best out of him.
The benefit of picking up Stocker, for all sides, is the fact he will cost them next to nothing as a DFA - which should appeal to many sides like St Kilda.
Definitely fits a need at the Saints and they should be looking at luring Stocker to the club as they look to make a return to the eight in 2023.
