With one of the biggest off-contract lists remaining in 2024, coupled with the club's position between contention and rebuilding, St Kilda loom as a big watch this off-season.
Midway through their second season under Ross Lyon, the Saints will fall short of successive finals finishes after a surprising top eight return last year.
With over 20 players still unsigned for next year, including a gun defender potentially on the way out, the Saints have plenty of list calls to make over the coming months and will likely attack the draft once again.
But the need for experienced talent is sure to be considered, and there could be several options for Stephen Silvagni and his team to chase this trade and free agency season.
So who could the Saints target? We've named five players potentially of interest for the Moorabbin club...
OTHER TRADE TARGETS:ย ADELAIDE,ย BRISBANE,ย CARLTON,ย COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON,ย FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, PORT ADELAIDE, RICHMOND
1. Nick Haynes
The first of several key defenders listed for the Saints to potentially target, with Haynes an experienced option who, importantly, would come at no trade cost.
A free agent at GWS this year and someone who perhaps isn't viewed as a best 23 player any more, Haynes has more to give in the AFL and could suit a club needing a second or third-string tall defender.
Given Haynes' free agency status, the inaugural Giant won't be required to trade for, meaning only the veteran's salary - which is likely to be heavily reduced - is all that the Saints would need to stump up.
He may not fit the age demographic of St Kilda's list build, but he can at the very least be a player who can bridge the gap between the likes of Dougal Howard and the club's emerging ranks, with the potential exit of Josh Battle set to open up that void.
An All-Australian and best and fairest winner, Haynes could be a fitting mentor alongside the likes of Callum Wilkie and Howard for the Saints' next batch of key defenders.
