Buckley and Valenti join the departed Brock McLean (traded to Carlton for selection No.11 in the NAB AFL Draft) and retirees Russell Robertson, Paul Wheatley and Matthew Whelan as players to depart.
Buckley, a run-and-carry player, featured in just one match in 2009 – the opening round – after injuries ruined his season. He missed 10 games with a groin problem and two with a hip complaint.
The 22-year-old played 21 matches for Melbourne after being drafted at No.53 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft.
His best performances were back-to-back 30-plus disposal displays in 2008, when he gained 31 touches against West Coast Eagles in round 20 and 32 against Port Adelaide in round 21.
Valenti, a 176cm onballer, spent two years on the Melbourne rookie list. He played 15 matches for Melbourne, making nine appearances last year and six this year.
In round 20 against Fremantle, Valenti notched up a career-best 30 touches and received one Brownlow Medal vote.
Valenti, 22, also won the Round/Fothergill Medal as the best young VFL player in 2007.
At this stage, Melbourne has six selections inside the top 50 in the November draft – picks No.1, No.2, No.11, No.18, No.34 and No.50. The definitive order for the AFL Draft will be finalised after the second list lodgment on Wednesday November 11.
Melbourne thanks Buckley and Valenti for their efforts and wishes them all the best for the future.
