Fremantle wingman Brad Hill has nominated St Kilda as his desired destination for the 2020 season following ongoing speculation that the Docker star was looking to move back to Victoria.
Hill told his club this morning of his preference to be a Saint next season, with both clubs now needing to finalise a deal for the former three-time premiership Hawk to continue his career at Moorabbin.
Hill was reported to be interested in a return to Victoria back in June, with manager Colin Young having told SEN that Hill had begun discussions for a move, with a number of suitors lining up for the speedy midfielder.
Whilst being contracted until the end of the 2021 season with the Dockers, Hill's request for a trade back to Victoria comes on the back of his plans to get closer to his partner's family.
Fremantle football boss Peter Bell revealed the club would act in the best interest for both Hill and the club in getting a deal done for the wingman.
The 26-year-old was unlucky to miss the 40-man squad for an All-Australian nomination after averaging over 25 touches a game across all 22 matches.
“During the latter part of the season Bradley advised the club of his intentions,” Bell said.
“Bradley is a previous Doig Medal winner in 2017 and, at 26 years of age, completed a career best season in 2019, establishing himself as one of the elite wingmen in the competition.
“We have an understanding that Bradley wants to return to Victoria for family reasons. However, as a club when we consider the matter we will act in the best interests of our stakeholders.”
Saints currently have pick 5 in the draft, with their first-round selection likely to get a deal done for Hill. The trade would see Fremantle with picks 5 and 6, strengthening their bid for want-away Geelong midfielder Tim Kelly, who is keen on a return to Western Australia.
While Hill's request comes as no surprise to the league, Fremantle and St Kilda are yet to hold any discussions on a trade for Hill.