There is no place at Melbourne in 2017 for Jack Grimes, with the former club captain one of three Demons delisted on Tuesday.
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Grimes, 27, was joined by fellow defender Dean Terlich and midfielder Matt Jones in being cut by the club, denied a place on the 2017 list under new coach Simon Goodwin. A first-round draft pick in 2007, Grimes played 100 games with the club - but just two this year as he fell out of favour with now former coach Paul Roos. Appointed co-captain under Mark Neeld for 2012, Grimes struggled with injuries in 2013 and 2014 before relinquishing the leadership at the end of the season.
Both Jones and Terlich - the latter of whom was previously a rookie with Sydney - were drafted at the end of 2012. Both became mainstays in their first seasons, with Terlich finishing third and Jones fourth in the best and fairest count.
However Terlich was soon on the outer under new coach Paul Roos, consigned to the VFL over the past two seasons, and failing to add to his 35 senior games. Jones - who like Terlich was a mature-age recruit - played 10 games in 2016 to finish with 61 in his four seasons at AAMI Park.
Demons football manager Josh Mahoney paid tribute to the departing trio. "These decisions are obviously difficult given the competition for spots on our list. On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank Jack, Matt and Dean for their hard-work and commitment during their time with us," Mahoney said.
"Jack Grimes is a man of great integrity and this was a tough decision for everyone involved. He had captained the club and is universally respected for his professional approach to football. This was on full display this year in his time with the Casey Scorpions, where he drove standards at VFL level and helped the team reach a grand final. Jack played 100 games for the Club and will become a life member and we wish him well for the next phase of his AFL journey.
"Matt and Dean arrived at the club together as mature aged recruits and made an immediate impact, both finishing in the top five of the 2013 best and fairest award. They will leave the club knowing they made a significant contribution during their time here."
Fringe Demons forwards Chris Dawes and Cameron Pedersen both remain out-of-contract. It appears unlikely that both will be at the club next year. Meanwhile speculation continues to surround the future of gun spearhead Jesse Hogan, with the West Australian continually linked to a move back to his home state. Hogan is contracted until the end of next season.
