Marley Williams has criticised North Melbourne’s handling of the mass delistings following the conclusion of last season.
Williams was one of 11 players culled by the Kangaroos as the club looks to bounce back in 2021 following a tumultuous three-win 2020 campaign.
The 128-game defender says the communication left a lot to be desired during the exit meetings.
“There was a lot of tears after. I think everyone just held it in until we were on the beers and the beers let it out of them,” Williams told SEN Mornings.
“I’m definitely not happy with the process, I think there could have been a lot more communication between the guys that weren’t going to get a contract.
“I can guarantee they knew we weren’t going to be there earlier and it would have been nice if some of the boys were worded up a bit earlier … not a two or three-minute chat.
“Guys like Majak (Daw) who thought he was going to get another contract - give him 45 minutes and not a three-minute chat.
“I think it was handled in the wrong way. I think the communication could have been better. It was a tough time for the whole club.”
Williams, who played eight games in 2020, described the year as a “shambles” and admitted he lost his enjoyment for the game while staying in the hub.
“I lost the fun - this year killed me. I’m probably not the only one, there was 11 of us,” he said.
“The fun went out of the game and it was tough for everyone.
“It’s hard to explain how hard it was unless you’re up there. I guess it would have been a lot easier if we were winning and I was playing.
“We won three games, which I didn’t know – I guess the year was just a shambles. I’ve just forgotten about AFL footy and I had no idea that we only won three games.”
Williams, 27, will play local football for Southern Football League side Port Melbourne Colts in 2021.