Pairing ANOTHER 10 delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2027 - Part 2 - Zero Hanger

The 2026 AFL Trade Period is in the books, and the delisted free agent mechanism will open as another avenue clubs can use to improve their list. Jake Stringer will join St Kilda as a delisted free agent, while North Melbourne is set to sign Elijah Tsatas and Samson Ryan. Former Saint Isaac Keeler is pushing for an AFL lifeline at Port Adelaide, and was spotted training with members of the club earlier this week. Wil Parker is all but locked in to arrive at Carlton in November on a two-year deal once the delisted free agency period opens. Former Western Bulldogs forward Dom Bedendo has signed with Fremantle as a DFA after spending the past two years in the VFL. But who'll follow next? Here we've listed ANOTHER 10 promising delisted free agents and a club that could suit their services. Luke Beecken Carlton The former Lion was starved of AFL opportunities, which were largely due to playing at a club that has won back-to-back-to-back premierships. Beecken dominated the VFL, winning the club's past two best and fairests, and was endorsed by development coach Scott Thompson as someone who should be playing AFL football. The 2024 mid-season draftee can play in the midfield and across half-back, with his speed and ball use key attributes of his game. Carlton has an interest in bringing in speed across half-back, reflected by the acquisition of Lachie Whitfield, while former Pie Wil Parker will be brought in to fill a defensive need. Billy Wilson has emerged as a strong candidate for one running defensive position, but the Blues would love to add more, especially after farewelling icon Adam Saad. Flynn Young Richmond The crafty small forward is set to remain in the AFL, although it won't be at Carlton. Young would suit the Richmond forward mix, adding support to Seth Campbell and Rhyan Mansell inside 50. The Tigers delisted Steely Green, and will look to improve their small forward stocks, which Young can do. The former Blue found the big sticks at AFL level, but his work in the VFL raised eyebrows among recruits. Young's time at Carlton would be eight senior matches and 13 reserves games, where he kicked 21 goals as a forward-midfielder. Conor Stone Essendon The former Pick 15 was delisted by the Giants earlier this month, which could open the door to many rivals, particularly in Victoria, to come calling. Stone received heavy interest from Essendon in previous years but ultimately remained with GWS as he sought more senior opportunities. The Bombers now loom as a perfect destination if he were to continue his AFL career. Mark McVeigh is looking for tough, uncompromising established players, and Stone would've been trained hard at the Giants. He also fits the bill of age demographic, while his versatility is another important point to note. Ollie Lord Melbourne The injury-prone forward struggled to get his body right, but many people remember his qualifying final performance against Brisbane in 2023. Lord was drafted in 2020, but knee injuries limited his output to 35 matches, including one this year. Should Melbourne take a punt on Lord? The Demons were all-in on Hawk Calsher Dear and landed Zane Duursma. But would a bargain-buy like Lord appeal to the club? They farewelled Aidan Johnson and Shane McAdam, and are keen to bolster the key forward stocks. Lord can also play as a back-up ruck when needed. Cooper Harvey GWS The North Melbourne father-son added another weapon to his game, but it was too little, too late. Harvey was drafted as a small forward, and despite showing promising signs, found a new home across half back. He found plenty of the football, and provided bounce and attack, which could intrigue the Giants. GWS lost Lachie Whitfield to Carlton, helping free up its salary cap as well as help reboot its list with young talent. The Giants have Joe Fonti and Lachie Ash as primary rebounding options, but the inclusion of Harvey would add some depth at both ends of the ground. Lachlan McNeil Port Adelaide The former Bulldog was a victim of a squeeze at the Whitten Oval, but that doesn't mean he can't contribute to another AFL team. McNeil hails from South Australia, and is a high-transition small forward and could return home to continue his football career. Port Adelaide made wholesale changes to its list as they prepare to welcome Pick 1 fancy Dougie Cochrane. But they still need to bring in established players, and McNeil could help bring experience to the forward line. Ryan Gardner North Melbourne Gardner spent the past eight seasons on the Bulldogs' list, but only played 58 games, indicating Luke Beveridge's faith as a defensive depth option. The Kangaroos clearly need key defenders, and after they lost out on Nick Murray, with Adelaide holding him to his contract, they need to get creative to improve the defensive 50. Gardiner has shown he is capabale at the top-flight, and would slot into the back six at Arden Street with relative ease. However, he could be among fellow key defenders looking for an AFL lineline like James Blanck and Lewis Young. Bailey Banfield Essendon The former Docker is being targeted by the Bombers, and for many reasons, it makes sense. For starters, Banfield will provide some much-needed experience to the youthful group, whilst his versatility will give Mark McVeigh something to work with. Banfield played 119 games for Fremantle as a forward, winger and rebounding defender, which Essendon will need in 2027. He's also a quality character, reflected by his Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. Isaac Keeler Port Adelaide The South Australian was farewelled by St Kilda, but it looks like he's landed on his feet and is set to join Port Adelaide. The Power confirmed they have spoken to Keeler about a potential AFL lifeline after his 13-game stint at the Saints came to an end. The 22-year-old can play on all lines, but is set to be used as an athletic ruck-forward option. The departure of Ollie Lord opens the door to Keeler's inclusion, while Todd Marshall's injury history and half-back move is yet another reason Josh Carr wants key position players in the front half. Max Ramsden Carlton The 2022 Mid-Season Draft pickup played 11 games across his time at the Hawks but was squeezed out at the end of 2026. The Hawks have left the door ajar for him to train with the squad through pre-season and try to win his spot back in the Supplemental Selection Period. But he could be suited to the Blues, after they lost ruck pair Hudson O'Keefe and Flynn Riley in the off-season It leaves them with only Liam Reidy in reserve behind preferred ruck Marc Pittonet, so they would want to add a big man either via delisted free agency, the SSP or the draft.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	FRE	23	19	4	76	137.2
2	SYD	23	18	5	72	136.1
3	BL	23	16	7	64	121.7
4	HAW	23	15	6	64	120.1
5	GEEL	23	15	8	60	122.3
6	ADEL	23	15	8	60	117.3
7	MELB	23	15	8	60	109.6
8	WB	23	13	9	54	95.4
9	COLL	23	12	9	52	102.4
10	CARL	23	12	10	50	101.5

Pairing ANOTHER 10 delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2027 – Part 2

Could these names earn an AFL lifeline?

Lachlan McNeil

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