Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders has chosen St Kilda as his preferred destination in 2026.
Flanders, who is contracted until the end of 2027, was tossing up between the Saints, Essendon, Melbourne and Carlton, albeit the latter pulled out of the race in the last week.
It is understood that the Moorabbin club put forward a five-year deal worth around $900,000 a season. The Bombers are believed to have offered similar terms.
Sam Flanders has nominated St Kilda as his preferred trade destination. @traderadio @AFLcomau pic.twitter.com/Ui6e5grBhY
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) October 3, 2025
The Saints have tabled Pick 7 in the trade negotiations, which, for the Suns, will be central to their Christian Petracca pitch.
Melbourne is willing to let the Norm Smith medallist join a rival club, despite holding another four years on his deal.
The Demons have a desire for established players, and although they missed out on Flanders, they have been targeting his teammate Bailey Humphrey.
Gold Coast are also into Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and has likely withdrawn its interest in Charlie Curnow, given Petracca's impending arrival.
They will also need to find enough draft points to land a host of academy prospects, namely Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson.
Connor Budarick is set to join the Western Bulldogs after requesting a move to Victoria for more senior opportunities.
The 2025 free agency period opened on Friday, October 3, while the trade period opens on Monday, October 6.
