Townsend joined Gold Coast for the 2021 season after 12 games with Essendon last year.

The 28-year-old played just two matches with the Suns and was let go by his fourth AFL club on Thursday.

But Gold Coast have told Townsend they will consider picking him up again in the rookie draft.

Rival clubs will be free to take Townsend from next Wednesday when the delisted free agency period commences.

Townsend has been limited to 62 games after starting his career with GWS in 2012 on their inaugural list.

After four seasons with the Giants, the forward moved to Richmond before the 2016 campaign.

Townsend made his name in 2017, playing a vital role in the Tigers' charge towards their first premiership in 37 years.

He booted 16 goals in just five games, including two in the grand final victory over Adelaide, after earning a recall to the team in round 22.

Gold Coast also confirmed they were parting ways with Luke Towey, who is returning to Ireland.

Towey failed to play a senior game after joining the Gold Coast in late-2019.

Australian Associated Press