Second chances: Kangaroos to snap up discarded top-five pick

November 4, 2026 — 7:18amNorth Melbourne are expected to add delisted free agents Elijah Tsatas and Samson Ryan to their list during the delisted free agency period which runs until Friday.Essendon used pick five in the 2022 national draft to select Tsatas, but he managed just 22 matches with the Bombers.Elijah Tsatas will get a chance to show his wares at the KangaroosAFL PhotosAs a stoppage player, he was never able to break into the midfield with his kicking and ability to spread always questioned, but he will appreciate the second chance with the Kangaroos looking to add depth to their midfield.Ryan battled to make an impression at Richmond and was suspended soon after an opportunity opened up this year when premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis was injured.He is mobile and has had good grounding at the Tigers but remains a depth option, having played 31 matches since being taken at pick No.40 in the 2020 national draft.Two industry sources, who preferred to remain anonymous as they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed the paperwork would be lodged this week before the deadline.Samson Ryan is set to change clubs.AFL PhotosThe Kangaroos have also indicated they will recruit former Lions defender Darragh Joyce. An opportunity to join a third club opened up for Joyce when the Kangaroos could not complete a trade with Adelaide to secure contracted defender Nick Murray. It is not clear whether he will join as a delisted free agent or via the rookie draft.The Irish-raised Joyce has been a useful back-up defender for the all-conquering Brisbane Lions after crossing from St Kilda.He came into the team whenever injury struck the backline, and although he battled at times at AFL level, he was consistent, and a popular and respected member of the group. He was an emergency in the 2025 grand final team which defeated Geelong.Joyce has played 27 AFL games since making his debut in 2018.St Kilda will add Jake Stringer to their list this week. It will be the Bulldogs’ premiership player’s fourth club after stints at Essendon and the Giants.Former cricketer Wil Parker is also expected to join Carlton after being delisted by Collingwood. Sydney veteran Harry Cunningham will become a Crow via the rookie draft.Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.More:AFL 2026Trading and draftingNorth Melbourne KangaroosFrom our partners