Ricky Henderson joins Hawthorn as a delisted free agent, Michael Barlow joins Gold Coast

And former Docker Michael Barlow has been given a lifeline by Gold Coast.

The first delisted free agency period ends today and both players accepted offers from their new clubs. The former clubs had no option of matching the new contracts.

Barlow played 126 games for the Dockers after being recruited from the VFL, but fell out of favour with coach Ross Lyon this year.

He will help fill the void left by the departures of Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia.

Henderson will line up in Hawthorn colours next year alongside O’Meara, Tom Mitchell and Ty Vickery.

Hawthorn’s interest in Henderson was first reported in the Herald Sun on November 1.

A 188cm running half-back, he was on the fringe of senior selection this season, playing nine games and averaging 22 disposals.

Hawthorn Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright said: “Ricky is a terrific addition to our list and has the versatility to play both in the midfield and across half-back.

“We look forward to welcoming him to the club and seeing what he can produce in the brown and gold.”

Barlow said Suns coach Rodney Eade and football manager Marcus Ashcroft made an impressive pitch for his services.

“I’m just super excited to come to a group that sees real worth for my attributes.”

“As I said the demographic of the group, we’re going to have four picks inside the top 20 and some players that showed some real growth last year as well as the inclusions of guys like (Jarryd) Lyons, (Pearce) Hanley and (Jarrod) Witts.”

Essendon coach John Worsfold said today the Bombers were looking closely at delisted pair Xavier Richards and Josh Green, but neither was signed by today’s deadline.

However, a second delisted free agency period opens on Thursday.