MIDFIELDER Quinton Narkle and small forward Francis Evans are among five players delisted by Geelong.
The Cats have also told uncapped half-back Nick Stevens, Category B rookie Paul Tsapatolis and mid-season draftee Zane Williams that their services are no longer required at GMHBA Stadium.
“We thank Quinton, Francis, Nick, Paul, and Zane for their efforts over their time at Geelong and wish them every success in their future endeavours,” football boss Simon Lloyd said.
“Each player has played their part in our recent success, and we thank them for their commitment and dedication to our football program.
“To pull on the hoops is an achievement in itself, and each of these young men should be incredibly proud to have represented the Geelong Football Club.
“We have witnessed Quinton, Francis, Nick, Paul, and Zane grow as players and people during their time at the club.”
Drafted with pick 60 in 2016, Narkle made 41 AFL appearances and kicked 18 goals.
He managed a career-best 16 games in 2021 but was dropped before the finals.
The smokey of the 2019 National Draft at pick 41, Evans played seven games at AFL level, including five this year.
He has been linked with a move to Port Adelaide.
Stevens joined the club with pick 47 in the 2020 draft, while Tsapatolis spent two years at the Cats, and Williams arrived from Woodville-West Torrens with Geelong’s only mid-season draft pick.
It takes to six the number of confirmed departures from the 2022 premiers following the retirement of Shaun Higgins last week.
The futures of seven players are yet to be confirmed by the club.
However, veteran forward Tom Hawkins told krockfootball.com.au on Tuesday a new contract was “a mere formality”, while Norm Smith medallist Isaac Smith has reportedly agreed to a new one-year deal.
Captain Joel Selwood is expected to make a call in the coming days about extending his career, while Zach Tuohy has indicated he is keen to play on.
After a breakout year, defender Zach Guthrie will get a new contract. However, question marks remain around small forward Luke Dahlhaus and the luckless Sam Simpson.
Twitter: @krockfootball
