THE 2018 AFL delisted free agency period kicks off on November 1.

And with several left in limbo with no contracts after the closure of the exchange period, this is but another chance to secure an AFL lifeline.

These are the players that could follow in the footsteps of Matthew Wright and Mitch Robinson and become successful AFL delisted free agents.

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Finals Week 1

DANIEL MENZEL

Despite being 27-years-old and kicking 104 goals from his past 52 games, Menzel remains out of contract. And after failing to find a home during the recent AFL exchange period — St Kilda did consider offering the forward a two-year deal but pulled out — there’s every chance the Cats mightn’t offer Menzel another contract. If he wants to continue his AFL career, he must be willing to take a one-year deal and prove himself on the footy field. Maybe the Crows, who just lost Mitch McGovern to Carlton, could be a suitor? Whichever club he goes to, the forward line pressure must be high.

Clubs who should consider him: Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, Sydney Swans

Daniel Menzel has kicked 104 goals from his past 52 games. Source: Getty Images

MICHAEL BARLOW

The veteran midfielder recently signed with VFL side Werribee — the club that helped him eventually get a gig in the AFL in the first place. But should a third AFL club come knocking for Barlow’s services, expect the ball magnet to make that his priority. Barlow and Suns coach Stuart Dew just didn’t click, with Barlow making it clear post-season that he was disappointed as to why he didn’t play more senior footy in 2018, despite ridiculous NEAFL numbers that often pushed 50 disposals. Would be perfect at a club with a young, developing midfield. He also might be the ideal mid-season draft pick-up, should a club experience midfield injuries next season.

Clubs who should consider him: Carlton, Hawthorn, Sydney Swans, Essendon, GWS Giants

JACOB TOWNSEND

The Tigers are keen to keep Townsend, but the premiership forward-midfielder could get more game time at a rival club. He was linked to both the Suns and St Kilda during the trade period, with the Gold Coast link far stronger than the latter club.

Clubs who should consider him: Geelong, Sydney Swans, GWS Giants, Melbourne, Hawthorn

JAKE NEADE

Was delisted by Port Adelaide on Monday, despite being one of the best pressure forwards in the league. He’s managed just 15 games from the past two seasons, but his record of 55 goals from 66 games stacks up well. Neade impressed in the SANFL in 2018 with his ball-winning ability (17 disposals per outing) and pressure (six tackles). At 24, Neade has age on his side as well.

Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Richmond, Geelong, North Melbourne

BRENDON GODDARD

It appeared unlikely in August that Goddard would find a third AFL club, but a few clubs could do with the classy ball-user, who finished inside the top 10 of the Bombers’ 2018 club champion award. The Suns were linked to Goddard late in the season but publicly ruled themselves out, saying they were already well stocked for half-backs, led by best and fairest winner Jarrod Harbrow. But after closing Kade Kolodjashnij and Steven May to the Demons over the trade period, maybe the Suns have to reconsider. Or could he be the perfect replacement for the injured Matt Scharenberg at Collingwood? Or is a homecoming to St Kilda the right fit?

Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Gold Coast Suns, St Kilda, Sydney Swans

JARRYD BLAIR

The Pies were hopeful of either securing a trade for Blair or see him join a rival club as a free agent during the recent AFL exchange period, but the bites weren’t strong enough. While he’s a favourite of Magpies fans and coach Nathan Buckley, Blair’s time at the club appears over, despite not being cut at this stage. While he’d be a handy goalsneak and midfield rotation for a rival club, his qualities as a person and footy wisdom would be just as valuable.

Clubs who should consider him: Melbourne, Gold Coast Suns, Carlton

TOM SHERIDAN

Sheridan was officially delisted by the Dockers on Monday, despite averaging 17 disposals from 13 games this season. When he went back to WAFL level, Sheridan dominated, averaging 28 disposals and six tackles per game. However where his best position on the ground is remains a mystery. A change of scenery might be the best thing for the 24-year-old, who could bring ample drive from half-back to a new club.

Clubs who should consider him: Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, Essendon, GWS Giants

Tom Sheridan has been delisted by Fremantle. Source: Getty Images

SAM ROWE

After 99 games with the Blues, Rowe is now without an AFL contract. Rowe, who was among four Blues cut last week, recently told SEN that he’d be open to joining another club if the opportunity presented itself. He’d bring ample leadership skills, as well as provide another club with a solid key defensive option. With Lynden Dunn out for most 2019, could the Pies be the best option.

Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast Suns

BRENDAN WHITECROSS

Hasn’t been delisted by Hawthorn, but appears unlikely he’ll be at Waverley Park in 2019. A genuine hardluck story, with injuries and strong internal competition ensuring he missed out on an AFL premiership medallion during Hawthorn’s golden era. Whitecross mightn’t be the game’s quickest player, but he’s got sensational footy smarts and is a beautiful kick on both sides of his body. Deserves another crack — and he was strongly linked to the Lions a few years ago.

Clubs who should consider him: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Sydney Swans

TOM BUGG

Swans great Tadhg Kennelly said after Bugg’s strike to Sydney’s Callum Mills that Bugg would never play another game for the Demons. He was almost right, with Bugg only managing another three games before being delisted by Melbourne. But Bugg, a nagging tagger who can also find the ball and hit the scoreboard, may still be valuable at another club. There were some strong rumours during the trade period that the Giants were considering giving Bugg a second stint with the club, however that never came to fruition. Still, considering the Giants lost several players, brought no one in from rivals clubs and that Bugg wouldn’t command much of the Giants’ already tight cap, perhaps a return to Western Sydney might suit Bugg.

Clubs who should consider him: GWS Giants, North Melbourne

Billy Hartung still has lots to give. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones Source: News Corp Australia

BILLY HARTUNG

Hard to think of a player who was more unlucky to be delisted than Hartung, who was cut after just one season with the club and a promising start to 2018 before suffering a hamstring injury. During his 13-game stint with the Roos, Hartung provided trademark outside dash, while he also managed to hit the scoreboard. At 23, you’d still think Hartung has ample to give a third club. Perhaps the Power are the best fit after losing Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard to the Roos.

Clubs who should consider him: Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Sydney Swans, Gold Coast Suns

MITCHELL HIBBERD

It didn’t quite click for Hibberd at North Melbourne, managing just four AFL games in three seasons with the club due to injury and limited opportunities. Still, Hibberd was a strong and consistent performer at VFL level, averaging 23 disposals from 24 games across the past two seasons. At 22, Hibberd still has age on his side and the determination to play on, emphasised by the decision to actively pursue opportunities at other clubs during the back-half of this year. He’s an awkward height (192cm) for opposition sides and could play either on a wing or off half-back.

Clubs who should consider him: Essendon, Melbourne, Sydney Swans, Gold Coast Suns, Western Bulldogs

HUGH GODDARD

The athletic defender arrived at St Kilda with high expectations but couldn’t get his body right and couldn’t cement his spot in the best 22, playing just 10 senior games, including eight in his first year. However his VFL form for Sandringham was solid in 2018, averaging 19 disposals from his final six games and topping the Zebras’ list for intercept marks. As foxfooty.com.au reported in August, Carlton had a discrete meeting with Goddard to sound out the key backman and whether he’d be a good fit at the Blues. Nothing eventuated during the exchange period, but the Blues have been known to pick up a delisted free agent or two in the past.

Clubs who should consider him: Geelong, Carlton, Western Bulldogs, Sydney Swans