Roos cull two more, six overall

The Kangaroos continued their list overhaul yesterday, opting not to renew the contracts of senior defender John Baird and rookie listed midfielder Josh Thewlis.

Baird was promoted to the senior list at the beginning of 2002, after coming to the club as a rookie via Box Hill, while Thewlis originally drafted by Sydney, before being delisted at the end of last season and picked up as a rookie by the Kangaroos.

Baird played only four senior games in 2005 for a total of 42, but was always going to struggle to retain a spot on the senior list with the additions of Jonathan Hay, Jade Rawlings and Mark Powell in trade week, all of whom can play a key defensive post.

The 25-year old also spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons on Hawthorn’s rookie list.

Thewlis, 21, was drafted by the Swans in 2002 out of Bendigo, but the big-bodied midfielder was let go after playing only two senior games in two injury-riddled years.

The Kangaroos pounced in the rookie draft, but a knee injury kept him out for much of the VFL season at Port Melbourne.

Baird and Thewlis join Ashley Watson, Lance Picioane, Shane Harvey and Kris Shore as players not required for 2006, while the retirements of Corey McKernan and Leigh Colbert ensure the Kangaroos’ list will have a new feel to it next season.

Football manager Tim Harrington gave his best regards to the departing players.

"We wish all the players the best in their future pursuits and we thank them for their dedication and commitment to the club."

Shore, who, like Thewlis, has suffered a number of injuries since he was drafted with selection 18 in the 2002 draft, will stay on at the club throughout the preseason and may be rookie-listed.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!