The Swans delisted former Burnie Docker Fox and Launceston's Thurlow, with executive general manager of football Charlie Gardner saying "the uncertainty surrounding the make-up of lists has made this period particularly challenging".

Both decisions raised eyebrows based on their 2020 output, especially Fox, who stood up on the last line of defence despite the fact he was often undersized compared to his opposition forward.

A rookie list pick from Coburg in the VFL in 2016, the 27-year-old played 38 games in four seasons for Sydney, showing his versatility by playing roles across the ground during his career.

Thurlow came to the club from Geelong via a trade ahead of the 2019 season, and played 63 games for both clubs, 17 of them at his second football home.

After getting an opportunity later in the season, the 26-year-old looked to have grabbed his chance with some strong performances further up the ground after making his name as a running defender.

Thurlow and Fox join Thomas Bellchambers [retired] and Mitch Hibbered at Essendon, Hugh Dixon at Fremantle, Fraser Turner at Richmond and Mitch O'Neill at West Coast as Tasmanians to drop off an AFL list this post-season.