The Saints are making some moves ahead of the second week of the AFL trade period, potentially facilitating a three-way deal that could land Richmond star Liam Baker at the West Coast Eagles.
West Australian reporter Ryan Daniels noted the Eagles' efforts over the weekend to secure Baker, with St Kilda reportedly entering the negotiations to help facilitate the trade.
The Saints' involvement is not about acquiring Baker directly; rather, it could play a pivotal part in restructuring the draft pick landscape, a necessity after Hawthorn's unexpected trade of Pick 14 to Carlton, which disrupted the original Baker-Barrass deal framework.
Hawthorn's pick had been intended as trade collateral, but with its reassignment, West Coast now seeks alternative means to fulfill Baker's trade request.
While the Saints weigh up their role in this three-way trade, they are also pursuing Western Bulldogs star Jack Macrae.
The Bulldogs, facing a tight salary cap, are reportedly open to offers, and St Kilda has engaged in early discussions, hoping to negotiate a deal without compromising its current draft capital.
With picks 7 and 8 in their pocket, the Saints may offer future lower-round picks, hoping the Bulldogs' financial pressures will expedite a Macrae deal.
As negotiations continue, St Kilda's involvement positions them as potential orchestrators in a complex web of trade discussions that could bring Baker to West Coast, benefit Richmond, and add Macrae to their own lineup.
St Kilda have just held back their pursuit of Power ruckman Ivan Soldo.
The club still hold picks 7, 8, 27 and 47 for the upcoming National Draft.
