Liam Stocker

Delisted Blue Liam Stocker looking for AFL lifeline with St Kilda

The 22-year-old is set to train with the Saints this pre-season.

Published by
Michael Georgiou

Former Carlton defender Liam Stocker is attempting to resurrect his AFL career, set to begin training with St Kilda.

Stocker will head to Moorabbin when pre-season training begins for first-to-fourth year players next week, hoping to prove his worth to new Saints coach Ross Lyon.

The young defender was delisted by the Blues this season after 28 games in four seasons, struggling to find a spot in the side.

The 22-year-old, who was drafted with pick No.19 in the 2018 draft, had the spotlight on him early on after Carlton traded a future-first rounder to Adelaide in order to pick him up.

Showing promise in his draft year, there were however, some concerns over his fitness, concerns that the Sandringham export questioned recently.

If he impresses during his trials at St Kilda, he could add some depth to their defensive stock, especially with best and fairest winner Jack Sinclair expected to push into the midfield.

There are currently six list spots open at Moorabbin, assuming they don't add a second category B rookie, and currently four draft picks (9, 28, 32, 47) are held.

The Saints won't have to use a draft pick to net Stocker if they take him in the supplemental selection period.

St Kilda head into their pre-season looking different to that of the 2022 season, with former coach Ross Lyon returning to the top job. Lyon previously led the club to three grand finals (including the replay) and four finals series in five seasons between 2007-2011.

It is a shared homecoming for Lyon, as club greats Robert Harvey and Lenny Hayes are also returning in what will be the club's 150th season next year.

This comes as a former Magpie has also been linked to the Saints, with delisted defender Jack Madgen reportedly speaking to the club about a dual role.

Published by
Michael Georgiou