St Kilda are believed to be interested in bringing Hawthorn premiership defender James Frawley out of retirement, per AFL.com.

The Saints have already added Brad Crouch and Shaun McKernan to their list and now have their sights on the former Demon and Hawk.

The 32-year-old would add plenty of strength to the Saints' defensive stocks, with Dougal Howard, Jake Carlisle, Callum Wilkie and Dylan Roberton all fighting for a place in Brett Ratten's back third.

Hawthorn are understood to be aware of St Kilda's interest in the 2010 All-Australian defender, with Frawley already having strong relationships with Ratten and Saints department member Jarryd Roughead.

If Frawley was to join the Saints, it would likely come after Thursday's trade deadline but would still require an exchange, similar to Luke Hodge's move to Brisbane.