The Western Bulldogs have made three additional list changes ahead of the AFL’s first list lodgement deadline today.
Ben Cavarra, Will Hayes and Roarke Smith have been delisted.
The Bulldogs have made a commitment to re-draft Smith – who played six AFL games in 2020 – during December’s draft period, and will consider the option of adding Cavarra and Hayes to the rookie list for 2021.
“Roarke showed some really promising signs during 2020, especially late in the year where he played the last four games including our elimination final,” General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power, said.
“At his best, we believe he can be an important player for us and we have committed to re-drafting him next month.
“Every club has had to make difficult decisions around their playing group this off-season due to the changes in list sizes and we have certainly found ourselves in that position.
“Ben and Will are both great characters and have shown they can have an impact at senior level.
“With the AFL’s introduction of the new rookie rule, we will consider our options as to whether we will put Ben and Will on the rookie list for 2021.”
Cavarra and Hayes both joined the Bulldogs as mature-age recruits through the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.
Hayes played two games this year to take his tally to 11 across two seasons in red, white and blue, while Cavarra made his AFL debut in 2020, playing three games.