Delisted free agency is set to commence next week, with AFL clubs weighing up offers to those that have been placed on the outer in 2022.
The upcoming recruitment window will not only see players gain another chance in the AFL, but could see clubs uncover the next Tyson Stengle, who joined Geelong last November before earning his maiden All-Australian blazer this year.
With over 70 players already delisted this year, we've looked toward 10 of the most prolific players that could re-enter the competition and have named a potential club that could thrown them a lifeline.
Delisted free agency will commence 9:00am Thursday, November 3, running until 5:00pm Wednesday, November 9 before re-opening on at 9:00am Friday, November 11, running until 5:00pm Tuesday, November 15.
The Dockers saw their wing options depleted this off-season as Blake Acres and Darcy Tucker requested moves to Carlton and North Melbourne respectively.
The duo's departure has opened opportunities for some of Fremantle's younger ranks to pursue minutes in the top flight, with first-round pickups Liam Henry and Neil Erasmus among those looking to cement themselves in Justin Longmuir's side.
Looking to compete for another place in the premiership race, the Dockers will be seeking healthy selection competition across the field, something Ham can offer to the likes of Erasmus and Henry, while Aish holds down the other side of the park.
Ham has shown enough in his 45 games with the Bombers and could use a move to Cockburn to rekindle his AFL career.
Port Adelaide
A move to Alberton has already been flagged by Evans' management since his delisting at Geelong, with the small forward seen as a strong chance to join Port Adelaide for 2023.
Evans just played seven games in the blue and white hoops in the last two seasons before seeing his chances in the top flight taken by the likes of senior trio Tyson Stengle, Bradley Close and Gryan Miers.
While the Power have already secured Junior Rioli to add to their attack, but with Orazio Fantasia struggling to get on the park in 2022, Evans firms as an insurance selection for Ken Hinkley.
With retired club great Robbie Gray returning to Alberton, the likes of Evans, Rioli and Fantasia can learn from one of this century's best forward craftsmen.
Essendon's midfield has been flagged as a key area of focus for Brad Scott as he begins his post at Tullamarine.
By no means a starter for the Bombers, who are sure to place greater attention toward trade recruit Will Setterfield and the top ranks of their engine room, but Anderson adds a formidable edge to Essendon's depth.
In a move that would see the Northern Territory product land at his third club, the ex-Roo and Hawk would be able to slot into a midfield, wing or flank role for Scott - a former coach he once thrived under.
Since departing Arden Street, Anderson has continued to stay in shape through training in Darwin and is looking to best place himself in the frame for a lifeline should interest arise.
Unlikely to take minutes away from the likes of Shai Bolton, Dustin Martin or Jack Graham in midfield, Stocker can be acquired as a backup option for Damien Hardwick or even on the flanks at Punt Road, if required.
With the Tigers turning to a new midfield group from 2023, Stocker could complement the likes of incoming stars Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper as a dashing outlet in the centre of the ground should he reach the potential that has been thrust upon him ahead of his selection by the Blues.
The Tigers managed to get the best out of fringe players in the form of Noah Cumberland, Ben Miller and Jack Ross across the course of 2022 and could look to do the same with Stocker's services.
Another move to contemplate for the Tigers is potentially revolutionising Stocker's role in the game, as seen with Dan Rioli's switch to defence for this year.
A return to his home state could be what gets Quinton Narkle's career back on track after falling further on the outer at Kardinia Park before seeing his time with the Cats come to an end.
Narkle faced a tough battle to secure minutes at AFL level across his spell with Geelong, playing 41 games in five seasons under Chris Scott despite showing plenty of poise and prowess.
Now needing to assess his options for 2023, a move back to Western Australia could be what sees Narkle reach his true potential, with opportunities aplenty at West Coast.
As the Eagles look to steer themselves back towards finals contention, cheap depth recruits are what will aid the club's next few seasons given they're destined to compete at the bottom third of the ladder.
Rowe has proven his ability at AFL level is there, however, found himself on the outskirts at West Lakes after the arrival of Izak Rankine from the Suns.
A move already flagged by some, with the Bulldogs having previously been linked to Rowe prior to his venture to the Crows, Rowe would still be an astute pickup for the Dogs ahead of 2023.
While the Dogs are home to forward spark Cody Weightman, Rowe would add further depth to the club's small forward stocks, which have been lacking behind Weightman at the front of the queue.
Should Weightman be forced to the sidelines through injury, Rowe could be the stop-gap for the Dogs as they continue their pursuit for another premiership.
Having lost some of their outside midfield stock with the departure of Karl Amon to the Hawks, former Hawthorn and Collingwood wingman Tom Phillips could be an option for the Power to consider this off-season.
While Phillips wouldn't be a walk-up feature in Ken Hinkley's best 22-man side, the former two-club midfielder is another bargain option for a club like Port Adelaide that can reinforce their engine room as they look to rise back up the ladder in 2023.
Another club that could do with some healthier selection competition among their developing assets, with the likes of Josh Sinn, Lachie Jones, Miles Bergman and Jase Burgoyne all fighting for opportunities at senior level.
Phillips brings with him 115 games of AFL experience, and at 26 years of age has plenty left to offer the league.
Frederick was a reported target for the Eagles throughout the recent off-season exchange window, with his name said to have been raised in trade talks for Junior Rioli.
The Sudanese flanker saw his time at Port Adelaide harshly come to an end after 14 games, with many believing his time in the top flight isn't over.
That could be the case should West Coast reignite its interest in the dashing defender, who could add another layer to Adam Simpson's rearguard.
The Eagles are beginning to look toward the future after a 17th-place finish to this season, while the departure of Jackson Nelson, coupled with Shannon Hurn likely entering the final year of his career in 2023, opening a chance for Frederick at Lathlain Park.
While placed in a contrasting position as far as their league standing, Geelong join West Coast in placing their attention toward the future as they continue to rejuvenate their list on the run.
The Cats recruited a trio of former first-round picks in Tanner Bruh, Ollie Henry and Jack Bowes through the trade window and will continue to build their youthful stocks through the National Draft.
But a selection that comes at little cost is former Tiger Sydney Stack, who could flourish in Geelong's thriving environment.
Like fellow ex-Tiger and 2022 All-Australian Tyson Stengle, the Cats could get the most out of Stack's potential by handing the 22-year-old another chance.
Wallis has plenty left to give the AFL, with the 30-year-old able to add an unparalleled amount of experience that's on offer for those looking toward the delisted free agency pool.
The versatile midfield/forward option can help steady a younger side like the Suns, who are looking to break the top-eight barrier for the first time in their existence.
With the loss of several key players this off-season, including small forward Izak Rankine, a position in Stuart Dew's side could be there for the taking for Wallis.
Another option for the Suns would be to secure Wallis on a playing contract before having the now-former Bulldog move into the coaching box after his career is all said and done.