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
5. Nik Cox
(Written prior to recent contract extension).ย
Once touted as a 'unicorn' given his ability to play across all three lines as an athletic key-position talent, the value of Cox has somewhat wavered over the past few seasons since his bright start in the red and black.
One of many off-contract at Tullamarine, would St Kilda come calling for Cox as they look to fill multiple holes in their list going forward.
Like the Bombers, St Kilda have over 20 players still unsigned for 2025 and could undergo an off-season of immense change, and could look toward a handful of versatile and emerging assets to aid the structure of their squad.
Cox, a former top 10 draft selection, is seen as a player yet to understand his best role midway through his fourth season in the AFL, and with opportunities on offer at the Saints he could benefit from placing his attention to one particular position - whether that be in midfield, defence or attack.
