Delisted Carlton youngster Liam Stocker and axed Bombers tall Josh Eyre are set to train with St Kilda in a bid to secure a second chance in the AFL.
Stocker was cut by Carlton at the end of his fourth season in the navy blue following 28 matches at senior level, with the Blues' list decision met with raised eyebrows given Stocker's promise and selection as a first-round draft pick.
Eyre, a graduate out of Essendon's Next Generation Academy, was not offered a new deal by the Bombers for 2023 after failing to feature at AFL level in his two seasons with the Dons.
Despite being handed the chance to continue to train at Tullamarine in an attempt to secure a Supplemental Selection period lifeline, Eyre is set to join Stocker at Moorabbin hope of joining the Saints' squad for next season, according to AFL.com.au.
After nominating for the National and Rookie Drafts, the pair were both overlooked and will now place their attention toward training under Ross Lyon for the months ahead.
Eyre, a 198cm key defender, could add much-needed depth to Lyon's tall defensive stocks following a quiet off-season. The Saints' only exchange window signing came in the shape of Western Bulldogs free agent Zaine Cordy, who will look to slot into a spot next top first-string backman Dougal Howard in defence.
Lyon will be hopeful of seeing enough from Eyre over the summer to place pressure on the likes of Cordy and Josh Battle for selection, while Stocker's role could fill a number of voids for the Saints.
The defensive-minded midfielder was often utilised as a backman during his time at Princes Park, with Stocker unable to cement his place within a star-studded engine room ensemble under Michael Voss this year.
Greater opportunities are likely to be on offer at Linton Street as the Saints look to shuffle their midfield group, with Stocker needing to break into a squad home to the likes of Jack Steele and Brad Crouch.
Jade Gresham will return from injury for the start of next season, while highly-rated youngsters Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens and top draftee Mattaes Phillipou will also demand midfield minutes.
St Kilda's entire 2023 squad is set to train together for the first time this week, with Stocker and Eyre joining new draft recruits at RSEA Park.
The SSP is set to run until February as clubs weigh up list spots for train and trial players.
