North Melbourne's experiment of persisting with rover Blake Grima and taking on former Collingwood midfielder Ben Davies last year has failed, with the pair delisted.

Grima was dropped by the Kangaroos at the end of last season after struggling with injuries, only for the club to re-draft him at No.72.

The onballer played three games late this season but was unable to cement himself in the midfield and has finished his career with just 15 games in six seasons at the club.

Davies was traded to the Kangaroos from Collingwood last season after winning Williamstown's best and fairest but played just two games at North this year, ending his career on 14 games in four seasons.

Fellow midfielder Eddie Sansbury and rookie forward James Wilsen were also shown the door by the club.

Sansbury played just one game for the Kangaroos this year, managing 40 in total in five years at the club.

North's chief of football Donald McDonald said all four delisted players were well-like at the club but paid a special tribute to Grima and Sansbury.

"Blake and Eddie in particular have been at the club for a number of years and made a great contribution," McDonald said.

"Blake has shown great perseverance in coming back from injuries and his attitude to his training and preparation has been first class.

"Eddie has had a really positive impact off the field.

"He has been a leader and set a fine example to our young indigenous players and has had a big influence on the development of players like Matty Campbell and Lindsay Thomas.

"His efforts in this regard have been invaluable."

The delistings follow the retirements of Shannon Grant, Nathan Thompson and Jess Sinclair at the end of the season.

Versatile big man Leigh Brown was fortunate to escape the axe after he was thought to be in the gun following the club's dismal finals exit to Sydney last month.

Nathan Grima, who has just turned 23, has been spared from being cut from the list and will remain at the club as an over-age rookie.

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