St Kilda is satisfied with the compensation it is receiving for the departure of hybrid Jade Gresham after Essendon officially lodged the required paperwork for the restricted free agent on Friday morning.
This year's free agency window opened last Friday, with little movement on Essendon's front regarding putting a contract in front of Gresham, who had yet to indicate his desire to become a Bomber.
Come Monday, though, reports surfaced that Gresham had revealed his intention to depart Moorabbin for the Hangar, with the subsequent onus resting on Essendon's hierarchical leaders to construct a deal for the Saint by Friday's free agency deadline.
The Bombers thrust themselves into action hours out from the deadline; penning Gresham to a contending contract and, in doing so, forcing St Kilda's hand.
After deciding not to match Essendon's bid, the Saints are set to receive a desired return as compensation.
St Kilda will receive a draft selection that falls at the end of the first round of next month's count; currently No. 21.
AFL House on Friday morning confirmed Essendon's lodged deal for Gresham, with the Saints since declaring they would not be matching the Bombers' contending offer.
"Jade has been an important part of this football club for eight years, including a significant contribution throughout the 2023 season," St Kilda list boss Stephen Silvagni stated on Friday afternoon via Saints.com.au.
"However, whilst Jade was keen to explore a path forward that allowed for new opportunities for his career, the Club in turn determined that this also allowed it to continue its commitment to bringing in talented young players through the draft.
"Jade has been a popular teammate, with close relationships across our club which we're sure will continue. We wish Jade all the best for this new chapter.
"This compensation pick further enhances our commitment to the Draft, as we look to add to our pool of quality young players."
Further, according to AFL Media journalist Cal Twomey on Friday afternoon, Gresham's proposed Essendon deal is worth around $700,000 per year.
Gresham will reportedly receive a three-year deal at Tullamarine.
The 26-year-old, who offers Brad Scott's Bombers forward and midfield versatility, as well as occasional game-changing ability, has struggled with inconsistency as a Saint over the course of the past couple of seasons.
While St Kilda will officially farewell Gresham via free agency, the Saints are expected to facilitate multiple trades through to next Wednesday evening's dealing deadline.
Wantaway Blue Paddy Dow is touted to become a Saint after expressing his desire to depart Princes Park, while luckless St Kilda defender Nick Coffield is eagerly anticipating becoming a Bulldog by next Wednesday.
SEE ALSO: TRADE NEWS & RUMOURS HUB
On the other side of the ledger, the Bombers are also navigating multiple prospective exchanges; including the likely offloading of key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher to Port Adelaide, as well as the potentially-corresponding arrival of Power wingman Xavier Duursma.
RELATED: POWER MIDFIELDER OFFICIALLY REQUESTS TRADE, LATEST UPDATE ON ZERK-THATCHER TALKS
This year's player movement period concludes on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM (AEDT), following the closure of the free agency signing period on Friday at 5:00 PM (AEDT).