North Melbourne has confirmed the trio of Kyron Hayden, Matt McGuinness and Patrick Walker will not be offered contracts for 2023.

Originally taken with pick No.62 in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, Hayden made his debut in Round 15, 2019 and went on to play 17 games for the Kangaroos.

The defender was on the verge of cementing a place in the club’s best 22 during the early stages of 2020 when he played eight consecutive games in the senior team, but injuries derailed his campaign.

He made five appearances in the royal blue and white this season, with his best performance coming in Round 11 against St Kilda when he collected 13 disposals in defence.

McGuinness, picked up via the Next Gen Academy in 2019, and Walker, who was selected with the second pick in the 2020 rookie draft, leave without playing at the highest level.

The duo played 17 games each for the Roos’ VFL side this season, with McGuinness averaging 16 disposals and Walker 15. 

General Manager of Football Talent Brady Rawlings said all three players had an impact on the club despite their limited senior appearances.  

“Kyron came to North Melbourne as a teenager from Western Australia and he settled into the culture of the club well, making his debut in his second season,” Rawlings said.

“Unfortunately he had some bad luck with injuries was unable to lock down a place in the senior side. Our Tassie boys Matty and Pat also had a bit of bad fortune with injuries but they both had solid seasons in the VFL this year. 

“All three boys left an imprint on the footy club and we wish them the best in their future endeavours.”