Luke Dunstan

AFL trade news: Rival club enters race for in-form Saints midfielder

A stellar return to the AFL has one St Kilda onballer gaining interest from circling clubs.

Published by
Mitch Keating

The Suns have emerged as a side showing interest in out-of-contract St Kilda midfielder Luke Dunstan, according to AFL Media's Cal Twomey.

Dunstan has flourished in his return to senior level after a dominant start to 2021 with St Kilda's VFL affiliate Sandringham.

The 26-year-old is averaging 28 disposals per-game since making his return to Brett Ratten's side in Round 11, having played in seven of his eight games for the year since.

Now, with his future unsettled past season's end, Dunstan is gaining interest from rival clubs, with the Suns named as a keen suitor.

Fox Sports' Tom Morris revealed earlier this month that rival clubs were beginning to show interest in Dunstan's services.

"Luke Dunstan was told in late March after Round one that he wouldn't be playing seniors at all this year," Morris said at the time.

"My understanding is that he's not anywhere near signing a contract, there's already been multiple clubs that have inquired about his services.

"I think 2-3 year deals will be on the table from other clubs. He's in no rush to make a decision and other clubs think he is gettable."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: Luke Dunstan of the Saints handballs during a St Kilda Saints AFL training session at RSEA Park on July 30, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

An unrestricted free agent, the ball is very much in Dunstan's court as clubs are expected to continue to show interest.

The Saints will also be looking to settle decisions on fellow out-of-contract duo Jack Billings and Seb Ross, while the club announced the re-signing of Jack Sinclair to a new three-year extension on Thursday.

Published by
Mitch Keating