Former Subiaco star Josh Deluca says he was given an indication by Carlton he’d be re-signed for 2020 ahead of being turfed out after just half a season at the Blues.

Deluca was the top pick in the inaugural mid-season draft last May, with Carlton convincing him to make the trip across the country in upgrading from the WAFL to the AFL.

It was the lifeline Deluca had craved after a four-game stint with Fremantle that ended in 2017.

But his second crack at an AFL career lasted just six games after being delisted by Carlton at the end of October.

MORE FOOTY: Ballantyne signs with Peel for 2020

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

10 biggest footy scandals of the decade

Speaking on SEN this morning, Deluca said the Blues had initially convinced him that he’d be re-signed beyond just the half-season.

“I’m pretty sure we’d spoken about it earlier before getting drafted,” he said.

“It’s a big move just for six months, and I’m not really keen on a six-month gig, and they were pretty reassuring that it wouldn’t be.

“I was pretty flat to hear when that result came back and circumstances had changed.”

Camera Icon Josh Deluca thought he’d be back at the Blues this year. Credit: AAPIMAGE

When asked if he had thought there’d be a spot for him on the list in 2020, Deluca replied: “Yep, 100 per cent”.

“I was definitely pretty devastated and shocked, just because I might have thought I was in a better position than what I found out to be,” he said.

“I would have loved the opportunity just to get a pre-season in and really have a good crack at it next year, even if that did look like a (one-) year contract.

“I was pretty flat to hear the news.”

Deluca is unlikely to return to the WAFL as he eyes a stint with a VFL club next year.

The 23-year-old said he did not see any prospect of being a supplemental selection for an AFL club next year.

“Not that I’ve heard of - as much as I’d like to,” he said.