Fresh off Melbourne's premiership breakthrough, the Demons have delisted Tasmanian Jay Lockhart after 22 AFL games.
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Announcing the news on their social media platforms and website on Monday, the 25-year-old was let go alongside Aaron Nietschke and Austin Bradtke.
"We had to have some difficult conversations this afternoon, which is always tough but particularly tough after an exciting weekend for our club," list manager Tim Lamb told Melbourne Media.
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"Jay, Aaron and Austin have all made a great contribution to Melbourne and displayed excellent character throughout their time at the club.
"We wish the boys all the best for the future and thank them for everything they have given to the club."
The North Launceston product was picked up through the supplemental selection period from VFL side Casey Demons in 2019, a year after making the mainland move, playing 12 matches in his first season.
He added 10 to that tally in 2020 but after a testicular injury against the Bulldogs in the pre-season cup, he was unable to break into the Demons' line-up once fully fit.
Alongside the delistings of Lockhart, Nietschke and Bradke, popular defender Aaron Vandenberg and the club parted ways, while Neville Jetta announced his retirement, adding to Nathan Jones' farewell last week.
Lockhart's next AFL chance, which many social media onlookers feel he deserves, will come through the delisted free agency period from Wednesday, October 3 to Monday, October 15.
If unselected in that time, the two-time State League premiership player may choose to apply for the AFL draft on November 24 and 25.
Lockhart and retiring defender Grant Birchall are the two Tasmanians to have dropped off AFL lists so far this season.
Sydney's Robbie Fox, Brisbane's Mitch Robinson, Essendon's Andrew Phillips and North Melbourne trio Aaron Hall, Matt McGuinness and Patrick Walker are among Tasmanians to have recently re-signed with their clubs.
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