Jeremy Finlayson’s Port Adelaide career has come to an end after the veteran forward was one of five players delisted on Monday.

The 29-year-old cleaned out his locker alongside Ryan Burton, Dylan Williams, Lachie Charleson and Hugh Jackson following exit meetings.

Finlayson led Port’s goalkicking in an emotional 2023 season that began with personal heartache.

Long-time partner Kellie was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in January, and the pair tied the knot in March with young daughter Sophia by their side.

Kellie, who had already overcome bowel cancer 18 months earlier, remains terminally ill while undergoing regular treatment in the years since.

Port rallied around the family following Kellie’s diagnosis and Finlayson responded by kicking 38 goals, helping his side finish second on the ladder before a disappointing straight-sets finals exit.

“In what could have been the worst four years of our lives, this club gave our little family so much purpose,” Kellie wrote after Finlayson’s delisting on Monday.

“The way you held yourself particularly in the beginning when your world was falling apart, the way you showed up, the way you played with so much purpose, the way you reminded so many people that footy is so much bigger than just a game that can be won or lost.

“You’re a good kick but an even better dad, we love you so much.”

Finlayson’s family friend and now former teammate Sam Powell-Pepper also said farewell on Instagram.

“Honour playing alongside you my brother. Made a brother for life,” he wrote.

Finlayson had a disrupted 2024 season, starting with a three-match ban for a homophobic slur in April.

He returned to the side but had his campaign ended in July by a lacerated spleen.

Finlayson played just eight games in 2025 to finish on 62 Port games after starting his AFL career with 66 appearances at the GWS Giants.

He could yet be considered by other clubs as a reserve forward/ruck option for 2026.

Port thanked the five delisted players in a statement on Monday.

“We thank Ryan, Jeremy, Dylan, Lachie and Hugh for their contribution to our club,” list boss Jason Cripps said.

“Ryan and Jeremy have both, at times, played important roles for our AFL side, offering versatility and depth when we’ve required it.

“Dylan and Hugh showed some positive development over the past few years, with both earning opportunities at the top level, while Lachie was a solid contributor to our SANFL program and showed great commitment to the club in his two years on the list.

“We wish all five players the very best for their futures.”

Their departures open up further list spots as Port, who have farewelled retiring club legend Travis Boak, embark on a new era under senior coach Josh Carr following Ken Hinkley’s exit.

Ex-Adelaide and Gold Coast utility Rory Atkins, who joined the Power this season, has also retired.

Willie Rioli announced his immediate retirement on Monday night soon after Port’s five delistings.

The future of Ivan Soldo at Port is in doubt after the ruckman played just once at AFL level this season.

Soldo joined from Richmond, where he featured in the Tigers’ 2019 premiership, and has one year left on his Power deal.

The 29-year-old unsuccessfully sought a trade at the end of last season after falling behind Jordon Sweet as Port’s first-choice ruck.

- with AAP