North Melbourne ruck prospect Tristan Xerri has notified the club of his desire to trade Arden Street for Moorabbin next season and link up with the Saints.
According to reports fromย AFL Media'sย Riley Beveridge, the 22-year-old's decision comes in the wake of Callum Coleman-Jones' impending move to the Roos, as well as Xerri's desire for more senior playing time.
Still, the 2021 wooden spooners are not set to let Xerri walk across town with ease, as the 202cm forward-come-ruck remains contracted to the Kangaroos for another year yet.
Having been drafted with the 72nd pick of the 2017 draft, the Western Jets product has only managed to lace the boots on 12 occasions across his four years on North's list.
However, his VFL form saw him earn runner-up honours in the club's best and fairest count after his shift to full-time rucking duties bore fruit with means of 26 hitouts and 22 disposals across 2021.
Xerri had previously been deployed as a tall forward option in 2020 and managed an average of a goal a week across his four appearances in a blue and white jumper.
The Caroline Springs-born big man ran out for David Noble's side for eight games this year and end with 7.4 hitouts per week.
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Given Xerri's contracted status, St Kilda will need to part with a portion of their draft hand to land him.
As it stands after Wednesday night's four-way pick swap, the Saints currently hold picks 9, 62, 66, 67 and 85 at this year's draft, with several of these later selections likely to be required to reel NGA prospects Mitchito Owens and Marcus Windhager to Linton Street on a permanent basis.
