Football
24 October, 2025
AFL clubs delist Horsham trio
It hasn't been the best end of the AFL season to be a Horsham recruit, with several former local players being delisted by their sides.
Essendon has delisted Ben Hobbs, while Darcy Tucker and Tom Berry were informed by their clubs, North Melbourne and the Gold Coast, that their services will no longer be required.
Both Hobbs and Tucker chatted with Wimmera Mallee News earlier this year, giving insight into their journey to the AFL from the Wimmera.
Originally from the Demons in Horsham and drafted by the Bombers as the 13th pick in the 2021 AFL draft, Hobbs played 65 games with the black and red, booting 21 goals.
He played 18 games this season, averaging nearly 15 disposals and almost four tackles per match.
Essendon General Manager Daniel McPherson thanked Ben for his dedication, professionalism and service during his career with the club.
"It goes without saying that it’s always difficult with list spots at this time of year, but they (Hobbs and Luamon Lual, who the club also delisted) leave the club with our very best wishes," McPherson said.
"We have five selections at next month's AFL Draft, and the list squeeze means some challenging choices had to be made.
"Both Ben and Luamon have handled the news with maturity, and we applaud them for that."
Tucker has been on the long-term injury list at the Kangaroos after he hurt his back earlier in the season and required surgery.
The defender/midfielder made a humble start to his career in footy with the Horsham Saints before eventually being drafted to Fremantle, where he played 108 games, and now North Melbourne, where he has racked up 41 matches.
Tucker candidly gave insight into his injury in chatting with Wimmera Mallee News earlier in the AFL season, adding he was keen to get into the off-season with an unrestricted program so he could complete a full pre-season next year.
He also revealed despite his injury, he still had a desire to play at the highest level.
"At 28 years old, I still have heaps to give, which is a good thing, and I still absolutely love fulfilling my dream every day," he said at the time.
"I'm always looking for challenges on how to get better, so I just see this as a stepping-stone in my career and a learning opportunity to get better as a person and continue to grow."
On the delisting of Tucker, alongside Geordie Payne and Will Phillips, the boss of the Kangaroos, Todd Viney, said these decisions aren't easy, especially when they involve young men who have invested so much of themselves into the club.
Adding to the list of casualties post-season this year is Tom Berry, brother of Brisbane premiership star Jarrod Berry.
Berry, also from the Horsham Saints originally, was let go by the Suns, with the forward having played 43 AFL games, all with the one side.
While he didn't break into the 2025 team, Berry did play 17 games in 2024, averaging more than 11 disposals per game and a couple of tackles.
It has, however, been reported that Berry's AFL career might not be over, with his abilities of interest to the Eagles' list management team.