MELBOURNE has said farewell to three players as it turns its attention to 2021, with Kyle Dunkley, Corey Wagner and Josh Wagner failing to receive contracts for next season.

The trio were informed this week, as the Demons prepare to leave their Twin Waters hub after an 11-week journey.

While these list changes have to be made at the conclusion of the season, it’s always a difficult time to see a young footballer’s career cut short.

“I’d like to thank Kyle, Corey and Josh for their contributions to the Melbourne Football Club in recent years,” GM of Football Josh Mahoney told Melbourne Media.

“It’s a difficult period for them and we wish all three of them the best of luck in the future.”

Dunkley’s time at Melbourne began last year when he became the club’s inaugural Mid-Season Rookie Draft selection, being recruited from Footscray’s VFL side.

In a rollercoaster debut season, Dunkley found himself playing senior football in the Dees’ Round 16 win over Carlton and managed five matches in the backend of the year.

Unfortunately, the rookie, whose brother Josh Dunkley plays for the Western Bulldogs, was unable to earn his spot back in Melbourne’s 22 this season.

Corey Wagner was also unable to play a senior game in 2020, being let go after pulling on the red and blue 11 times last year.

The 22-year-old began his career at North Melbourne, playing eight matches across his first two seasons before being delisted in 2017.

Wagner then joined the Casey Demons, and after a standout 2018 VFL campaign, he was given an opportunity on Melbourne’s list as a rookie.

The small forward was one of the hardest working players on the Dees’ list and he was always a reliable role player when called upon.

His brother Josh, who played at the other end of the field, cracked his way into the senior side for two games this year.

The Queenslander joined Melbourne as a mature aged recruit via the 2016 Rookie Draft and should be proud of his achievements in the past five seasons.

Wagner represented the Demons on 42 occasions and walks away as a valued member of the club.

Further details around Melbourne’s list changes will be made clearer in the coming weeks.