Ex-Saint to train with rival’s reserves in hope of AFL lifeline

Delisted St Kilda forward Jack Lonie is reportedly set to train with Essendon's VFL side as he sets his sights on a path back into the AFL.

The 25-year-old was not offered a new deal by the Saints for 2022, with the club confirming the list call in October and ending Lonie's 87-game stint in the red, white and black.

Lonie first joined the Saints via the 2014 National Draft, making his debut in Round 1 the following year.

The Dandenong Stingrays product went on to kick 73 goals across his seven seasons at Moorabbin, with the next chapter of his AFL career up in the air.

As reported by Code Sports' Daniel Cherny, Lonie will look to impress the Bombers in training with their reserves this summer, with Ben Rutten's side already hosting a number of other AFL hopefuls for trials this pre-season.

Essendon have welcomed Northern Territory product Ronald Fejo Jnr, Tex Wanganeen - the son of club great Gavin - and Subicao forward Nic Martin to Tullamarine ahead of the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period, which opens on January 10.

Ex-midfielder Dylan Clarke is also training under Rutten despite being delisted earlier this off-season, with the Bombers giving the 23-year-old a chance to prove his worth for a potential lifeline.

Add Lonie's name into the considerations and Essendon will have several formidable names to potentually recruit with their two free list spots.

The Bombers have shown their interest in adding to their small forward ranks, highkighted by the failed chase of Greater Western Sydney's Bobby Hill.

Ironically, the Giants were understood to have shown interest in Lonie's services, according to Cherny.