Former Essendon midfielder Elijah Tsatas and ex-Richmond ruck-forward Samson Ryan look set to be thrown an AFL lifeline by North Melbourne when delisted free agency opens next month.
Updated 3:25pm AEDT, Wednesday 4 November: North Melbourne has confirmed the signings of Elijah Tsatas and Samson Ryan as delisted free agents, with former Brisbane defender Darragh Joyce also joining the Kangaroos, the club announced on Wednesday. “With a slightly more compressed draft hand this year, we made the strategic decision to be very active in the DFA period,” North’s head of football talent Brady Rawlings said. “Elijah already has a solid amount of experience under his belt, but we know he’s still got plenty of improvement ahead of him.” Tsatas, 22, averaged 32.9 disposals and 7.5 clearances in 15 VFL games this year, AFL.com.au reported.
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey said on the Gettable podcast that the Kangaroos are close to certain to sign both players, SEN reported.
“I think you can just about lock in Samson Ryan and Elijah Tsatas as DFAs,” Twomey said. “There’s a few DFAs to come once the window opens in November. Wil Parker to get to Carlton, Jake Stringer of course to St Kilda. But Samson Ryan and Elijah Tsatas look on their way to Arden Street.”
AFL.com.au’s off-season watch has also described Tsatas as “locked in” at a second club.
When can they sign?
The delisted free agency window opens at 9am AEDT on Monday 2 November and closes at 5pm AEDT on Friday 6 November.
Read more: Cooper Harvey and Zac Fisher Delisted by North Melbourne
North Melbourne have already made room on their list, delisting Cooper Harvey, Zac Fisher and Luke Urquhart on Tuesday.
Who are they?
Tsatas was taken with pick 5 in the 2022 draft and played 22 games over four seasons with the Bombers, who delisted him in September.
Read more: Jake Stringer Set to Join St Kilda as Delisted Free Agent
Ryan was selected with pick 40 in the 2020 draft and played 31 games across six seasons at Richmond before the Tigers recently delisted him.
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