Delisted North Melbourne defender Josh Walker thinks he still has plenty to give at AFL level.
Walker, 29, was delisted on Monday alongside Jed Anderson, Atu Bosenavulagi and Kayne Turner as the Kangaroos look to continue their rebuild.
Having previously been delisted by Brisbane at the end of the 2019 season, Walker says he was better ready to cope with the bad news the second time around.
“I think the first time it happened at Brisbane it took me pretty off guard, you sort of don’t know what happens next or how it works,” Walker said on SEN The Run Home.
“Sadly, the second time around you’ve been through it, you somewhat know how it happens and you’re prepared for it.
“Obviously when your management talks to the club throughout the year and when there’s not a contract put in front of me, you know it’s a possibility.
“So, it’s not a complete shock, but you don’t have to agree with it or be happy with it.”
Walker believes his delisting came down to North Melbourne trying to get even younger in their rebuild.
“There’s no secret, North aren’t looking necessarily at just next year but beyond,” Walker said.
“I think they are in a rebuilding phase, they’re looking to get younger, I’d argue that I still haven’t turned 30 yet so I still have some good footy in me.”
Still in his athletic prime, Walker believes he can still help a raft of teams including even returning to Arden Street if the club opts to re-draft him as a rookie.
“First of all, North have picked up a couple of extra rookie spots as part of that (assistance) package from the AFL,” Walker said.
“So, there’s a chance to go down that avenue and stay at North, but we won’t know how that pans out for another month or so until after the draft, but that’s a possibility
“But the manager has put the feelers out to see if there’s any interest out there.
“I still think I can help a team that’s either in the finals window and looking to add an experienced player or even a younger side that’s looking for some experience.
“I haven’t turned 30 yet and I don’t feel any different than I did when I was 23.
“I’ve just had three seasons of a fair bit of AFL footy … so yeah I think I’ve got plenty to offer.”
Walker has played 139 AFL games across stints with the Cats, Lions and Kangaroos, averaging 10.96 disposals and 4.7 marks.