Ham’s on outside at Roos

TORQUAY product Charlie Ham has been delisted by North Melbourne without playing an AFL game.

Ham was among a host of players delisted by the Roos, with Shaun Atley’s 11-year career almost certainly over.

The Kangaroos chose not to offer a new contract to Atley, along with Trent Dumont – who finished top five in the club’s best and fairest in 2018-19 – Tom Campbell and Ham (pictured).

Atley, 29, played 234 games across 11 seasons after being the No.17 pick in the 2010 draft, but the writing was on the wall when he was dropped for rounds 21 and 22.

North Melbourne general manager of football talent Brady Rawlings hailed Atley’s commitment and popularity at the club.

“He would always put team success above his own ambitions, even though he’s been a great player for us in his own right,” Rawlings said.

“Although he played his best footy as a defender, we’ve used Shaun all over the park across his career.”

Dumont played the last 14 matches of the year after a calf injury delayed his season start.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who has played 113 matches, has interest among rival clubs.

Campbell’s best chance of remaining on the list was for the Roos to grant fellow ruckman Tristan Xerri’s wish to be traded to St Kilda. But North Melbourne was unwilling to part with Xerri for what St Kilda offered in draft picks.

Ham, 18, is one of just three mid-season draftees who didn’t receive a new deal for next season, having been picked up barely four months ago.

Taylor Garner, Connor Menadue, Dom Tyson and Will Walker were previously delisted, while former vice-captain Robbie Tarrant crossed to Richmond in a trade.

The Kangaroos have overhauled their playing list in the past two years with a focus on youth and are set to draft South Adelaide midfielder Jason Horne-Francis with the No.1 pick. They have selections one, 20, 42, 47, 72 and 77 in next month’s draft.