New Saint Zak Jones has opened up a meeting he had with Tigers coach Damien Hardwick about the prospect of joining the reigning premiers.
The running defender requested a trade back to Victoria this off-season and reports emerged that Richmond were a potential landing spot.
He ultimately declared his desire to be moved to St Kilda and was traded for a slew of draft picks.
But Jones admitted to feeling gratified by the Tigers' interest.
“To have him (Hardwick) come and speak to me and say that they’d be interested … it didn’t really eventuate after that,” Jones told Sportsday.
“But to have a conversation with him gave me a bit of confidence. That’s an exciting thing and brings confidence to yourself."
The 24-year old said the Saints' direction was the overruling appeal.
“They (St Kilda) were very positive on what they wanted to do and the direction they were going with the people they were bringing in,” Jones said.
“It was a really positive reassurance. They were trying to build something I wanted to be a part of.”