A HOST of experienced AFL players will be hoping for a football lifeline when the delisted free agency period opens on Tuesday.
Axed Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow heads the list of hopefuls, with the 29-year-old ball magnet appearing the most likely to find a new home.
Bombers top-up players James Kelly and Matt Dea are set to return to the club in 2017, while dangerous ex-Brisbane Lions small forward Josh Green has also been linked to Tullamarine.
Will Minson, Drew Petrie, Andrejs Everitt, Jack Grimes, Alex Silvagni and Xavier Richards are just some of the other names in this year's delisted free agency pool, which AFL.com.au has assessed to determine who might receive another chance.
MICHAEL BARLOW, aged 29
Fremantle (126 games, 81 goals)
The ball magnet's fine career could continue at a club looking to add experienced, reliable depth to its midfield. Popular, professional and a workhorse, he is smart enough to overcome any lack of leg speed. Too good not to play somewhere in 2017 as he can compete with the game's best midfielders, having polled 48 Brownlow votes in his career. Adelaide has been linked with him but more than one club is interested.
MATT DE BOER, 26
Fremantle (138 games, 48 goals)
Tough pressure forward instrumental in Peel Thunder's premiership is a leader on and off the field. If he decides to go on he would fit nicely into several line-ups, particularly ones such as Gold Coast looking for hard bodies at ground level.
MATT DEA, 25
Richmond (31 games, one goal), Essendon (21 games, 0 goals)
Likely to stay with Essendon after reviving his career when the Bombers needed to replace its suspended dozen. The tough ex-Richmond defender performed well in 2016.
ANDREJS EVERITT, 27
Western Bulldogs (36 games, eight goals), Sydney Swans (43 games, 24 goals), Carlton (52 games, 61 goals)
Expect several clubs to be interested in Everitt, who is now searching for his fourth AFL home. He has played at least 11 senior games in each of the past seven seasons and is a good hit-up forward.
Will Andrejs Everitt find a fourth club at AFL level? Picture: AFL Photos
JACK FITZPATRICK, 25
Melbourne (22 games, 24 goals), Hawthorn (three games, three goals)
The 200cm big man proved late in the year he can come in and play a role as a forward-ruck, famously booting the round 23 match-winner which sealed Hawthorn's top-four spot. Fitzpatrick has made way after the Hawks upgraded to Ty Vickery but with big men in demand, he might get another chance, maybe even back at Waverley.
JOSH GREEN, 24
Brisbane Lions (81 games, 107 goals)
Feeling like he might need a fresh start, he held off on accepting a contract offer early in the year and is now one of the best-credentialled delisted free agents available. The small forward, who has been linked to Essendon, kicked at least 24 goals three seasons in a row before dropping off this season due to a foot injury that hampered his pre-season.
JACK GRIMES, 27
Melbourne (100 games, 11 goals)
The former co-captain could not win a permanent spot in the emerging young Demons as they looked to foster young talent. A fresh start could do wonders and, at worst, a club would get a team-first warrior.
JAMES KELLY, 32
Geelong (273 games, 88 goals), Essendon (20 games, two goals)
Looks set to continue with Essendon after an excellent season on and off the field when added to the list to replace the suspended Bombers. Finished second in the club best and fairest, and John Worsfold wants him to stay on during the club's transition year.
ANGUS LITHERLAND, 24
Hawthorn, (25 games, one goal)
Found it tough to break into the Hawks' defence during their premiership years and then failed to take the opportunity early this season. A good defender, he has been in a strong environment but has not been linked with another club as yet.
Ex-Hawk defender Angus Litherland has had a strong grounding. Picture: AFL Photos
BRAD McKENZIE, 23
North Melbourne (37 games, six goals)
Uses the ball well and was a high draft pick (No.18 in 2011) but he never cemented a spot at North Melbourne despite playing senior football in each of the past five seasons. He could provide a club with depth across half-back and the wing.
WILL MINSON, 31
Western Bulldogs (191 games, 81 goals)
Big-bodied ruckman who was All Australian in 2013 may attract attention from a club such as Collingwood, which will want to give Brodie Grundy and Mason Cox some back-up, having lost Jarrod Witts, Darrean Wyatt and Corey Gault.
CAM O'SHEA, 24
Port Adelaide (81 games, seven goals)
On the lookout for a new club after being let go on Sunday. The former Power defender was on the fringes of Port's best 22, but can go through the midfield and, standing at 193cm, has the height to offer something to a club needing hardened backmen.
CLANCEE PEARCE, 26
Fremantle (100 games, 36 goals)
Rugged on-baller worked hard to reach 100 games but he can play. He has strength and the discipline to stick to his task.
Will Clancee Pearce get the chance to continue his AFL career? Picture: AFL Photos
DREW PETRIE, 34
North Melbourne (316 games, 428 goals)
Despite securing Nathan Vardy in the NAB AFL Trade Period, the Eagles haven't ruled out recruiting Petrie to add more depth in the big-man department in the wake of knee injuries to Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett. Has strong ties with West Coast coach Adam Simpson.
XAVIER RICHARDS, 23
Sydney Swans (12 games, 13 goals)
Made a shock request for a trade back to Victoria late in the trade period after playing in Sydney's Grand Final and receiving a contract offer, but attracted little interest and was subsequently delisted. Carlton may look to add some forward presence.
ALEX SILVAGNI, 29
Fremantle (53 games, 10 goals)
Solid defender who finished the season in outstanding form although it went unnoticed. Collingwood had interest during the trade period before it recruited Melbourne's Lynden Dunn. Silvagni will still be considered as a delisted free agent.
JASON TUTT, 25
Western Bulldogs (26 games, 22 goals), Carlton (14 games, five goals)
Stuck between VFL and AFL in terms of talent, but he could find a rookie spot at a club looking to bring in a seasoned player.
After stints at the Dogs and Blues, Jason Tutt could still offer something. Picture: AFL Photos 
JOSH WATTS, 20
Brisbane Lions (0 games, 0 goals)
Did not get a run with the Lions due to a groin injury that never came right but he is expected to overcome that injury and could be worth another chance.
ALEX WOODWARD, 23
Hawthorn (two games, 0 goals)
Hasn't had a fair run at making it as an AFL player after three knee reconstructions in four years. Woodward's talent and toughness is undeniable, and the 2014 Liston Trophy winner in the VFL should be in the mix to find another home. The Brisbane Lions' recently appointed coach, Chris Fagan, is a fan of the midfielder, who also skippered the Sandringham Dragons to the TAC Cup flag in 2011 under new Lions assistant Dale Tapping.
Yet to be signed but not delisted
Ricky Henderson (Adelaide)
Kaiden Brand (Hawthorn)
Jake Barrett (Greater Western Sydney)
Tom Lonergan (Geelong)
Jarryd Blair (Collingwood)
Josh Cowan (Geelong)
Tom Downie (GWS)
Harry Dear (Adelaide)
Zac Clarke (Fremantle)
Mitch Brown (West Coast)
Ricky Henderson's future at Adelaide remains unclear. Picture: AFL Photos
