THE AFL’s delisted free agency period opens next week, with clubs able to pick up axed players from Tuesday November 1.

And there are several players wanting a lifeline, including three ex-Dockers, who could provide clubs with terrific value.

From ball magnets to ruckmen, as well as nippy forwards to tall goalkickers, there are ample options for clubs to choose from the 2016 delisted free agents class.

We profile the 15 most valuable free agents, as well as the clubs that should seriously consider picking them up.

Finals Week 1

1. MICHAEL BARLOW

Delisted by: Fremantle

Age: 28

Position: Midfielder

2016 AFL Numbers (13 games): 6 goals from 24 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 5 score involvements and 4 clearances

2016 WAFL Numbers (2 games): 3 goals from 42 disposals, 8 tackles and 5 inside 50s

THE most talked about delisted free agent over recent weeks — and rightly so. Barlow is a ball magnet in every sense of the word, while his defensive pressure and ability to hit the scoreboard shouldn’t be underestimated. While he isn’t blessed with great pace, his excellent decision-making and sheer volume of possessions would prove valuable for a team pushing into premiership contention.

Clubs who should consider him: Adelaide, Geelong, Western Bulldogs

Michael Barlow has been linked to Adelaide. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

2. ALEX SILVAGNI

Delisted: Fremantle

Age: 29

Position: Key defender

2016 AFL Numbers (5 games): 14 disposals and 6 marks

2016 WAFL Numbers (10 games): 12 disposals and 7 marks

WITH Alex Pearce to return from injury next season, the acquisition of premiership full-back Joel Hamling and Sam Collins set to be given ample opportunity to grow, the writing was on the wall for Silvagni during the trade period. He had been linked with Collingwood, but that fell through once the Dees struck a suitable deal for Lynden Dunn. Despite a calf injury plaguing his 2016 campaign, Silvagni finished the season strongly in the Dockers’ senior line-up, shutting down the likes of Jack Darling and Taylor Walker, even though his team was thumped. A club searching for an experienced, ready-made key defender could do much worse.

Clubs who should consider him: Port Adelaide, Brisbane, Western Bulldogs

3. XAVIER RICHARDS

Delisted by: Sydney Swans

Age: 23

Position: Utility

2016 AFL Numbers (10 games): 13 goals from 13 disposals, 6 marks, 6 score involvements,

2016 NEAFL Numbers (12 games): 26 goals from 13 disposals and 5 marks

FINALLY cemented his spot in Sydney’s senior line-up late in the 2016 season and even played in the Grand Final loss to the Western Bulldogs. But after not receiving a new contract from the Swans straight away, Richards requested a trade to another club, preferably one in Victoria. Unfortunately for Richards, there were no suitors during the trade period. But with the delisted free agency period about to commence, Richards’ manager says there’s been “some interest” in the utility, who has the ability to play at either end of the ground. A Victorian club in need of a second or third tall forward might be interested in Richards’ services.

Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Richmond

Xavier Richards kicked 13 goals for the Swans in 2016. Source: Getty Images

4. MATT DE BOER

Delisted by: Fremantle

Age: 26

Position: Midfielder

2016 AFL Numbers (4 games): 1 goal from 15 disposals and 7 tackles

2016 WAFL Numbers (17 games): 10 goals from 30 disposals, 8 tackles and 4 inside 50s

LIKE close friend Michael Barlow, de Boer fell out of favour at the Dockers under Ross Lyon in 2016 after being a consistent member of the best 22 in previous seasons. Despite that, de Boer was prolific at WAFL level, winning Peel Thunder’s best and fairest award. He capped off his stunning season with 30 disposals and 14 tackles in Peel’s successful grand final win. Clubs — need to add to your midfield depth with a 26-year-old ball magnet? This ex-Docker could be your man.

Clubs who should consider him: Adelaide, Carlton, Richmond, Geelong

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5. JACK GRIMES

Delisted by: Melbourne

Age: 27

Position: Half-back/Midfielder

2016 AFL Numbers (2 games): 24 disposals, 7 marks and 4 rebound 50s

2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 13 goals from 28 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 marks and 4 inside 50s

TWO years ago, Grimes was Melbourne’s co-captain. Now, he’s looking for a new club, after falling out of favour with former coach Paul Roos and, seemingly, new Dees coach Simon Goodwin. But at 27, Grimes still has ample to give a club, if his VFL season is anything to go by. He polled 11 votes in the JJ Liston Trophy count to finish equal-ninth. Grimes could either fill a chasm across half-back, or even drift into the middle to provide midfield depth at another club.

Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Brisbane, Gold Coast Suns

6. JOSH GREEN

Delisted by: Brisbane Lions

Age: 24

Position: Small forward

2016 AFL Numbers (11 games): 10 goals from 13 disposals, 6 score involvements and 4 inside 50s

2016 NEAFL Numbers (3 games): 8 goals from 27 disposals and 5 inside 50s

THE Lions’ mosquito fleet has been cut to two, after Green departed the Lions and left Dayne Zorko and Lewis Taylor behind. But what Green lacks in height (176cm) he undoubtedly makes up for in ability to hit the scoreboard, topping Brisbane’s goalkicking in 2014 (33) and 2015 (25), while finishing third in 2013 (24). Injuries and patchy form plagued his 2016 campaign, but clubs looking to add a dangerous small forward to their already established attacking 50 set-ups should consider Green.

Clubs who should consider him: Essendon, Collingwood, Carlton, Richmond, Port Adelaide

Western Bulldogs' Will Minson could find his way to the Eagles. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

7. WILL MINSON

Delisted by: Western Bulldogs

Age: 31

Position: Ruck

2016 AFL Numbers (2 games): 1 goal from 7 disposals and 16 hit-outs

2016 VFL Numbers (20 games): 13 goals from 16 disposals, 31 hit-outs, 5 tackles and 4 marks

CLEARLY the best pure ruck option for a club needing a big man to take ball-ups and boundary throw-ins next season. A member of the 2013 All-Australian team, Minson never cemented his spot in the Bulldogs’ best 22 since coach Luke Beveridge took the reins in 2015. There are a couple of clubs who could do with his tap-work.

Clubs who should consider him: West Coast Eagles, Brisbane Lions

8. ANDREJS EVERITT

Delisted by: Carlton

Age: 27

Position: Forward

2016 AFL Numbers (13 games): 17 goals from 14 disposals and 5 marks

2016 VFL Numbers (5 games): 5 goals from 17 disposals, 7 marks and 4 inside 50s

THAT’S now three clubs that have delisted Everitt — but the latest chopping might have been a bit harsh. After topping Carlton’s goalkicking in 2015 with 31 goals from a full 22 games, Everitt managed just 13 games in 2016 to boot 17 goals. He was axed from the Blues’ list last week as Stephen Silvagni continued his brutal list cull. Everitt is still only 27, plus he still has the ability to hit the scoreboard. If a club needed a third forward — a similar role that Tim Membrey plays at St Kilda — they could do worse than Everitt, who could be handed a fourth AFL lifeline.

Clubs who should consider him: Gold Coast, Port Adelaide, Richmond

Andrejs Everitt was Carlton’s leading goalkicker in 2015. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

9. CAM SHENTON

Delisted by: St Kilda

Age: 26

Position: General Forward

2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 41 goals from 16 disposals and 5 marks

SHENTON’S story of persistence at the Saints ended this month when he was cut from the list after four seasons at the club. He spent two years on the rookie list, was elevated ahead of 2015 but lost his spot in October after only two decent runs in the seniors across 2014 and 2015. Shenton proved, though, in 2016 that he has the potential to be a dangerous forward should a club need that player type. He booted 41 goals on his way to winning the Neil Bencraft best and fairest award at Sandringham.

Clubs who should consider him: Richmond, Port Adelaide

10. SHAUN EDWARDS

Delisted by: Essendon

Age: 22

Position: Forward/Wingman

2016 AFL Numbers (3 games): 16 disposals and 3 inside 50s

2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 16 goals from 21 disposals, 4 tackles and 4 inside 50s

HE has supreme talent and pace, but Edwards severely struggled for consistency at the Bombers. His best glimpses are outstanding, but that’s all they’ve been so far — glimpses. But if a club can get the best out of Edwards consistently, he could be a very handy inclusion, especially for a team in need of run and carry heading inside 50.

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

Shaun Edwards kicked 16 goals in the VFL this year. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: News Corp Australia

11. MARK WHILEY

Delisted by: Carlton

Age: 23

Position: Midfielder

2016 AFL Numbers (1 game): 16 disposals

2016 VFL Numbers (10 games): 5 goals from 26 disposals, 4 marks and 4 tackles

GOT a good run in the seniors under caretaker coach John Barker, but managed just one match under Brendon Bolton in 2016 and was seemingly never a big chance to play much AFL footy at the Blues. However Whiley proved in the VFL that he has seriously ability to find the footy, especially around stoppages. A club needing midfield depth, in particular a player that can win contested ball consistently, could do with Whiley as midfield depth.

Clubs who should consider him: Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Fremantle

12. ELI TEMPLETON

Delisted by: St Kilda

Age: 21

Position: Midfielder

2016 AFL Numbers (2 games): 1 goal from 9 disposals and 4 marks

2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 12 goals from 26 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s and 4 tackles

WAS seemingly set for a big debut season at St Kilda after an excellent five-game stint at the start of 2014. Then Templeton broke his arm — and barely got a look-in at senior level from there, playing just eight games in two seasons. Templeton, though, continued to work hard for VFL-affiliate Sandringham in the midfield, finishing equal-fifth in this year’s JJ Liston Trophy count with 13 votes. With a great work ethic, a knack for finding the pill and excellent decision-making skills, Templeton could provide handy midfield depth.

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

Drew Petrie played every game for North Melbourne in 2016. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

13. DREW PETRIE

Delisted by: North Melbourne

Age: 34

Position: Forward/Ruck

2016 AFL Numbers (23 games): 27 goals from 11 disposals and 5 marks

BIG Drew was one of four Kangaroos veterans suddenly axed on the eve of Round 23 this year, despite playing every game for the club in 2016. Numbers wise, Petrie might have hit the wall, but he seemingly has the passion to play on next year. He probably only has one year — two at the absolute maximum — left in him, so if a club wanted him, it’d want to be right in the premiership window.

Clubs who should consider him: West Coast Eagles

14. ALEX WOODWARD

Delisted by: Hawthorn

Age: 23

Position: Midfielder

2016 VFL Numbers (4 games): 4 goals from 25 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 marks and 4 inside 50s

OF the 15 players on this list, Woodward is arguably the unluckiest. His talent is unquestionable, highlighted by his JJ Liston Trophy triumph in 2014 after averaging 23 disposals and six tackles across the season for Box Hill. But three knee reconstructions in four years at Hawthorn meant the hard-nosed on-baller constantly struggled for opportunities. All he needs is a second lifeline and some darn luck. Should he get both, he could surprise a few.

Clubs who should consider him: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Fremantle, Port Adelaide

Alex Woodward starred in the VFL for Box Hill. Picture: Lawrence Pinder Source: News Corp Australia

15. NICK DAL SANTO

Delisted by: North Melbourne

Age: 32

Position: Midfielder/Wingman

2016 AFL Numbers (22 games): 6 goals from 25 disposals, 6 score involvements, 4 marks and 3 clearances

IN the modern-day game, accurate disposal by foot has never been more important. Dal Santo epitomises that, winning most of his footy on the outside but hitting the target most of the time. He was heavily linked to Collingwood in the immediate aftermath of his shock delisting, but ex-Roos teammate Daniel Wells ultimately got there before him. Going by his credentials and skill, he’d be a more than handy acquisition for a club needing a good ball-user off half-back or on a wing. But Dal Santo’s passion to play on seems very limited.

Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Melbourne

Five other delisted players who could provide some value

Luke Lowden (delisted by Adelaide)

Jonathan Simpkin (Essendon)

Nick Kommer (Essendon)

Angus Litherland (Hawthorn)

Tom Lee (St Kilda)