MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Mitch Brown of the Eagles looks ahead during the round 20 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium on August 11, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Perhaps the biggest fall from grace of any player this off-season, was that of ex-Swan, Xavier Richards.

Richards, the brother of recently retired premiership played, Ted, yesterday missed out on being picked up in the rookie draft, meaning he will be without an AFL club in 2017.

The reasons Richards' case is astonishing is the fact that he played in the grand final for Sydney just last month. Following the loss to the Western Bulldogs, Richards rejected a reported two-year contract extension and requested a shock trade from the club, after 12 games in three seasons.

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However, he failed to find a new home and was then subsequently delisted by Sydney.

He is now without a home after being overlooked in the rookie draft.

There were several other experienced players who also missed out on the chance to continue their careers.

Former Brisbane, Melbourne and Geelong forward, Mitch Clark is also without a home after being overlooked, as is his former teammate, Chris Dawes.

Ex-Eagle Mitch Brown was also overlooked, as was former Bomber Courtenay Dempsey, ex-Demon Jack Grimes, defenders Cam O'Shea, Brad McKenzie, Angus Litherland and Hawthorn premiership player, Matt Spangher.

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