Retirements and Delistings Roll On

Sydney, Carlton, and North Melbourne saw more players move on. North Melbourne delisted Kyron Hayden, Matt McGuinness, and Patrick Walker. Hayden was drafted in 2017 and debuted in 2019. He played 17 games as a defender. In early 2020, injuries curtailed his season. He managed five games in 2022. McGuinness was an Academy selection in 2019 and Walker was selected in the 2020 rookie draft. Both played 17 games in the VFL in 2022. Neither managed any senior games.

Just after the conclusion of the season proper, Sydney ruckman Callum Sinclair and defender Colin O'Riordan announced their retirements. Sinclair, 32, was originally drafted by West Coast in 2012 and has played a total of 118 games. General Manager Charlie Gardiner said, "Callum has been a real warrior for us. He has played some really good senior football with us ... but in recent times his work with our VFL squad has been enormous. He has played a selfless role for the team and been a terrific leader amongst our developing players. Cal is a hugely popular player ... ".

O’Riordan, 26, joined the Swans in 2015 as a Category B rookie, hailing from County Tipperary in Ireland. He has played 34 games for the Swans. Gardiner said, " ... Colin has been one of the most popular members of our playing group and he will be sorely missed. It really is an incredible achievement to move ... from Ireland, learn a new game and forge a successful AFL career and Colin has been able to do just that.”

Ed. Note: Games tallies are through Round 23

Carlton has delisted two more players: Liam Stocker and Will Hayes. Stocker played 28 games in four seasons after making his debut in 2019. He played six games in 2022. Will Hayes made his Carlton debut as the medical sub in Round 17 against the Eagles and was part of the 22 selected against Geelong, in what were his two appearances since being selected as a mid-season rookie this year. List Manager Nick Austin acknowledged the efforts of both players, “Liam gave great effort ... while he was not able to solidify his place in the side this year, his capacity to continue to work hard was a testament to him. Although Will was only on the list for a short period of time, his efforts to earn a place in the side to play two games was a result of his work ethic ... ".

Sources: sen.com.au, Michael Tormey, North Melbourne Media Release, Will Botoulas, Carlton Media Release