Alec Waterman was disappointed to be delisted by Essendon on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old forward was one of three list changes made by the Bombers with Brayden Ham and Cody Brand also not offered new deals.
Having made 22 appearances in the red and black across the last two seasons, Waterman was disappointed that he couldn’t continue at Tullamarine.
“It’s disappointing, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s disappointing,” Waterman said on SEN The Run Home.
“I didn’t do a lot wrong, it’s just in terms of where our list is at that I had to move on, it was a pretty short conversation, but we move forward.”
Arriving at Essendon as a pre-season supplemental selection ahead of the 2021 season, Waterman knew that he’d have to do a lot right to remain on the list long-term.
As a result, he wasn’t shocked that he was delisted but he did reveal he thought he had done enough to earn a new deal for 2023.
“I wouldn’t say I was shocked,” Waterman said.
“Coming from where I came from and how I got onto the list (I knew it was a chance).
“Last year I got an extension in July, but this time around I was prepared for both (being re-contracted or delisted), but I was surprised, I thought I’d done enough for another 12 months.”
Averaging more than a goal a game for the Bombers, Waterman feels he is reliable at senior level and is hoping to receive another opportunity.
“I thought I was pretty handy out there on the field and did my job a number of times,” Waterman said.
“I played more games last year than this year … I was emergency a lot through the mid-part of the season … I thought even though I hadn’t played much I was right there in the (squad of) 25.
“If I’m able to get a lifeline that’d be fantastic, I’m really keen to keep going
“If not, I’ll play footy somewhere … but in terms of the short-term I’d love an opportunity and I’ve got some stuff to keep fit for sure.”
Waterman previously held a spot on West Coast’s list between 2014 and 2016 but failed to break through for a senior opportunity.
He kicked 27 goals in his 22 outings for the Dons, including four against Collingwood on Anzac Day this year as well as four against the Magpies in Round 23, 2021.