AFL draft 2020: Recently delisted footballers nominate hoping to keep their league careers alive

Nominations for the AFL draft have closed with almost 1000 pitching themselves for a shot at the big time, including several delisted players desperate for another chance.

Carlton discard Ben Silvagni and former Kangaroo Majak Daw are among those who have thrust their names forward for next week’s AFL national draft.

Almost 1000 footballers registered with the league before nominations closed on Thursday night as a number of recently delisted players hope to get another crack at the big time.

Silvagni was let go by Carlton at the end of this season, a year after his father and former list manager Stephen parted ways with the Blues.

His brother Jack will begin his sixth year with Carlton next season.

Ben will look to find a new AFL club next week either in Wednesday’s national draft or in the rookie or pre-season drafts.

Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Former Blue Ben Silvagni is hoping for an AFL lifeline. Picture: Michael Klein

After a brief crack at winning a spot on the Melbourne City Council, Daw is also hoping to continue his AFL career after he was delisted by North Melbourne.

Daw played AFL football in August, 20 months after he was rescued from the Yarra River after he fell 20m from the Bolte Bridge.

He was part of a mass delisting by North Melbourne after a torrid 2020 season.

Former Roos teammate Marley Williams has not nominated for the draft.

Oscar McDonald is hoping for a second chance after being cut by Melbourne — an axing he said he saw coming.

“I’d be really excited to receive another opportunity at another AFL club if that was to transpire,” he told SEN.

“I’d jump at the chance if that was the case.”

Oscar McDonald is looking for a new home next week. Picture: Michael Klein

Ben Crocker, who paid a moving tribute to his father Paul after he died at home in Melbourne surrounded by family this week, has nominated in the hope of finding a third AFL club after stints at Collingwood and Adelaide.

Jacob Townsend could become a four-club player if he finds a new suitor to add to former teams GWS, Richmond and Essendon.

Jacob Townsend could go to his fourth AFL club. Picture: Getty Images

Ex-Bombers teammate Mitch Hibberd has also nominated as has former Saint Matt Parker and former Pie Rupert Wills.

After a surprise axing by Richmond, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith is also searching for a new club.

Ex-Brisbane Lions cult-hero Matt Eagles, who won reality TV show The Recruit, and former Collingwood player Tim Broomhead opted not to put their names forward for the draft.

Originally published as AFL draft 2020: Recently delisted footballers nominate hoping to keep their league careers alive