DISCARDED North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo is open to the possibility of playing for his third AFL club in 2017.

At least two clubs are understood to be interested in speaking to him about his intentions, including Collingwood and coach Nathan Buckley.

The 321-game veteran admitted his mindset had changed in the past fortnight after being told by Roos coach Brad Scott he would no longer be required at Arden Street next season.

"Two weeks ago I was hoping to play for North Melbourne at least one more year and see what happens after that," Dal Santo told Channel Nine.

"I’m at least open to the idea that there might be something else out there for me that I didn’t expect to be there two weeks ago.

"By saying that it doesn’t mean (I’ve decided), I haven’t made up my mind, haven’t even considered it because my priority, my time, my energy is going into football at North Melbourne at the moment." 

The 31-year-old is yet to meet with any potential suitors but is aware of interest that would see him enter a 16th season next year. 

"I have heard there has been interest, I’ve had no part in talking to anybody," he said. 

"I am open to ideas, but by saying that doesn’t mean I’m definitely playing on. 

"There’s other things outside of football that I really enjoy as well that at some stage I would like to pursue as well." 

Dal Santo said he had felt a range of emotions since being informed of his future by Scott. 

"Tuesday afternoon the coach called me, which is an interesting one when you get a phone call from the coach on a Tuesday afternoon. 

"He said 'Can I come around for a coffee?' and I knew where it was heading so I said 'No you can't'." 

"I knew what was going on. Obviously I felt like I'd been playing some solid football for the second half of the year, not much was progressing contractually so you work it out, you can read between the lines. 

"When I got the phone call, he ended up coming around, we sat down for maybe an hour, just over an hour. 

"(We) spoke about my career, the football club, the direction, that's all you can really ask for. 

"I know people have copped it a little bit over the last couple of weeks but as a player that's all you want is honesty and I felt like I got that. 

"I've said I'm not happy about the decision but I respect it.  

"I feel like I can do it again (play on) next year, physically and mentally."

Dal Santo crossed to North Melbourne from St Kilda in 2014 as a free agent and has played 61 games, including 21 of a possible 22 to date this season.