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Sport Nation
Former No.3 pick delisted as Roos cut trio
SEN • October 22nd, 2025 6:13 pm
North Melbourne have delisted three senior players ahead of the National Draft, with former third overall pick cut after just five seasons.
Taken at Pick 3 in 2020, Will Phillips has been axed having played 50 games across his first five seasons.
After playing 16 games in his debut year, Phillips was sidelined for the entire 2022 season, dealing with illness which held him to just three VFL games.
Returning in 2023, Phillips appeared ready to take the next step in his game, averaging 19 disposals and four tackles within a midfield core that finished 17th.
Since ’23, Phillips could only muster 18 games including seven games in 2025 and will now search for a new home after being told by the Kangaroos that he would not be offered a contract beyond this season.
Beyond Phillips, Darcy Tucker has also been let go, playing 48 games for the Kangaroos in his three seasons since joining from Fremantle.
Tucker has played 156 career games, however only managed seven in 2025 after going through season-ending back surgery.
Mid-season draftee Geordie Payne has also been cut after just three games at AFL level.
The 19-year-old mid/forward was selected with the first overall pick in the 2024 mid-season draft, only breaking into the senior setup in 2025, booting three goals in as many games.
"These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve young men who have invested so much of themselves into the club," GM of Football Todd Viney said.
“We wish Will, Darcy, and Geordie every success in their future.”
