More than 70 discarded footballers will be jostling for an AFL lifeline when the first delisted free agency window opens on Friday.

Under the free agency system, now in its second year, delisted players can be signed by a club of their choice without the need to enter into the NAB AFL Draft or pre-season draft.

Among those looking for new homes are premiership heroes, first-round draft picks and talented youngsters who, for one reason or another, found themselves out of favour at their old clubs.

AFL.com.au identifies those most likely to be picked up during one of the three delisted free agency periods, running from November 1-13, 15-18 and 22-25:

Darren Jolly

Age: 31 Career games: 237

The two-time premiership big man seems a good chance of continuing his career, and would hold appeal to a club in need of a ready-made back-up ruckman. Was cut down by injury in his final season at the Magpies, playing only nine senior games, and the rapid rise of Brodie Grundy served to seal his exit.

Luke McGuane

Age: 26 Career games: 105

Yet to be officially cut by Richmond, but has signalled his intention to leave, and has been linked with a move back to his home state of Queensland and the Brisbane Lions. After playing his early career as a defender, the 192cm 26-year-old has shown some ability as a forward in the past two seasons, booting 35 goals in 21 games.

Dylan Addison

Age: 26 Career games: 88

A former second-round NAB AFL Draft selection, Addison spent his first six years at the Western Bulldogs primarily in defence, before being turned into a defensive forward in 2012. Was in and out of the Bulldogs' team this season, playing 12 senior games. Does have talent, and as a New South Welshman might be a good fit at Greater Western Sydney.

Matt Thomas

Age: 26 Career games: 87

The tough onballer was a regular in the Port Adelaide side between 2010 and 2012, but managed only four senior games this year under new coach Ken Hinkley. However, he showed strong form at SANFL level, winning the Magarey Medal as the competition's best and fairest player. Would provide instant value to a club looking for a mature body in the midfield.

Maverick Weller

Age: 21 Career games: 32

After showing promise in his first two years on the Gold Coast, the nuggety midfielder had an ordinary season in 2013, managing only four senior games. His best performance came in round 23, when he racked up 27 disposals, but that wasn't enough to save him from the axe. Said on radio this week he had spoken to several Melbourne-based clubs, with St. Kilda his preferred destination. 

Jeremy Laidler

Age: 24 Career games: 26

Played some good football in defence for Carlton after transferring from Geelong at the end of 2010, but found himself on the outer with new coach Mick Malthouse this season. Asked by Malthouse to play as a forward in the VFL in a bid to win his senior spot back, Laidler struggled to find peak form. Removed himself for the Blues' list at the end of the season, and will look to find a new club and return to his more familiar defensive role.

Tom Ledger

Age: 21 Career games: 8

The Western Australian midfielder delisted himself from St. Kilda after being told by coach Scott Watters in the lead-up to the Gillette Trade Period that he was only a 50-50 chance to hold his place for next year. Has shown signs in his brief career to date, and will be hoping to convince a club that he can thrive with a change of scenery.

Alex Forster

Age: 20 Career games: 1

An All Australian at under-18 level, Forster's early career with Fremantle was hindered by hip surgery. A versatile mid-sized defender, he managed one senior game in 2013, but could not establish himself in Ross Lyon's team. After being delisted, the South Australian cancelled a planned holiday to Bali in order to focus on his fitness in the hope of winning a second chance.

Delisted free agents: full list to date

Adelaide

Ian Callinan

Nick Joyce

Tim Klaosen

Tim McIntyre

Dylan Orval

Brisbane Lions

Callum Bartlett

Aaron Cornelius

Niall McKeever

Stephen Wrigley

Richard Newell

Carlton

Andrew Collins

Fraser Dale

Marcus Davies

Aaron Joseph

Jeremy Laidler

Patrick McCarthy

Luke Mitchell

Rhys O'Keeffe

Collingwood

Alan Didak

Michael Hartley

Darren Jolly

Andrew Krakouer

Ben Richmond

Jordan Russell

Essendon

Luke Davis

Hal Hunter

Fremantle

Jesse Crichton

Peter Faulks

Alex Forster

Alex Howson

Haiden Schloithe

Geelong

Ryan Bathie

Cameron Eardley

Gold Coast

Jacob Gilbee

Kyal Horsley

Liam Patrick

Maverick Weller

Joel Wilkinson

Greater Western Sydney

Josh Growden

Setanta O'hAilpin

Joe Redfern

Bret Thornton

Gerald Ugle

Hawthorn

Andrew Boseley

Amos Frank

Melbourne

Tom Couch

Troy Davis

Tom Gillies

James Magner

James Sellar

Nathan Stark

Rory Taggert

Josh Tynan

North Melbourne

Jordan Gysberts

Ayden Kennedy

Ben Mabon

Cameron Richardson

Will Sierakowski

Ben Speight

Port Adelaide

Nathan Blee

Danny Butcher

Justin Hoskin

Darren Pfeiffer

Nick Salter

Daniel Stewart

Matt Thomas

Richmond

Luke McGuane*

Robin Nahas*

St Kilda

Tom Ledger

Jay Lever

Jordan Staley

Sydney Swans

Alex Brown

West Coast

Nil

Western Bulldogs

Dylan Addison

Nick Lower

Lukas Markovic

Patrick Veszpremi

*Not yet officially delisted but have signalled intention to leave club.