St Kilda are reportedly set to hand Woodville-West Torrens premiership hero Jack Hayes an AFL list spot for the 2022 season.
Hayes joined the Saints' summer training program as a Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period prospect, with the Saints having two list spots available for the year ahead.
Hayes, who is understood to have gained interest ahead of last year's Mid-Season Rookie Draft, enjoyed a stellar season with the Eagles in 2021.
The 24-year-old claimed best afield honours in Woodville-West Torrens' second successive SANFL premiership and also stood on the podium for the Magarey Medal.
The dazzling campaign caught the attention of St Kilda recruits, who have made themselves familiar with promising talent out of South Australia in recent years.
Now, according to SEN's Miles Pfitzner, the Saints are set to roll the dice on the 192cm tall utility, who averaged 19.7 disposals, 7.7 marks, 4.4 tackles, 2.4 clearances and over a goal per game last year.
The Saints have recently reaped the rewards of recruiting from their state's western border, with the likes of Callum Wilkie, Tom Highmore, Cooper Sharman and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera among those to venture from the Croweater state to Moorabbin.
Delisted tall Paul Hunter joined the Saints via the SSP from South Australia, however was delisted in the off-season after seven games in the red, white and black.
Hayes could look to fill the void left by Hunter, with the Jack Oatey medallist able to pinch-hit in the ruck and move forward to impact the scoreboard.
Should the Saints confirm the addition of Hayes, he will join fellow premiership Eagle Tyson Stengle in having joined the AFL for 2022.
Woodville-West Torrens could see three players join the national competition should midfielder and Magarey Medal winner James Tsitas land an AFL list spot with Gold Coast, where he is currently training.
AFL clubs have until March 9 to recruit players via the SSP, or can keep list spots open for the Mid-Season Rookie Draft on June 1.