The ruckman was one of seven players cut by the Tigers on Tuesday.

Stephenson, 32, has spent three seasons on AFL lists since he was drafted to Geelong in 2011.

He started the past two years as a rookie at Tigerland, was elevated to the senior list each year and finished with seven senior games for the Tigers after eight matches for Geelong in 2012.

This season was the first time ‘Big O’ lined up against the Roosters in the Victorian Football League, duelling new Roosters ruck ‘Big E’ Eric Wallace.

They met in a practice match at Punt Road and the first time in a home and away season game at Eureka Stadium in June – the past two seasons, Stephenson had dodged his old team because of injury or AFL promotion.

Geelong drafted Stephenson on the back of a distinguished VFL career as a three-time premiership player and four-time team of the year ruckman.

He was the oldest first-time recruit in AFL draft history, aged 29, and primarily picked to replace then-retiring ruckman Brad Ottens.

Injuries to Geelong big men Dawson Simpson and Nathan Vardy opened a chance for Stephenson to make his AFL debut in round one against Fremantle.

He netted his fourth VFL premiership and fifth consecutive team of the year selection in his season with the Cats.

The Cats delisted him after just one season but the Tigers then nabbed him as a round three choice in the 2012 rookie draft.

Stephenson continued to live in Ballarat.

Richmond has also delisted goal-kicker Aaron Edwards, who was a North Ballarat Roosters premiership player while on North Melbourne’s list.

The Tigers also cut senior-listed players Brett O’Hanlon and Brad Helbig, and rookies Ben Darrou, Cadeyn Williams and Todd Banfield.

Stephenson was the only one of the four delisted rookies to have played an AFL game.

Retirees Daniel Jackson and Jake King join the Tigers’ departures.

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au