GWS defender lifts lid on St Kilda’s trade backflip

GWS youngster Leek Aleer said he found out about St Kilda's trade backflip via social media.

Aleer was destined to join the Saints at the end of 2025 after multiple years of interest from the Moorabbin club, which put forward a four-year deal worth around $3 million.

But St Kilda's change of heart at the last minute, opting to successfully lure Jack Silvagni as a free agent from Carlton, whilst also ensuring Callum Wilkie remained put amid serious interest from the Western Bulldogs, raised plenty of eyebrows.

"Actually, it wasn't my agent who let me know what was happening," Aleer said, according to News Corp.

"I found out pretty much the same way everybody else found out, which was in the media and on Instagram and Facebook.

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"I think it was a very peculiar way to find out news like that, but that was the situation at hand; it was kind of all over the place. So it was a crazy couple of days, but I've always seen myself as someone who perseveres through any obstacles thrown my way.

"I remember the first day or two there, I was surprised by the situation. But I had a really strong support system. I've always had faith that things are going to work out for the best.

"After those days passed, I had a few phone calls from my manager, and we were able to work out what I wanted to do, and coming back (to the Giants) was ultimately something I wanted to do more clearly than anything else."

Aleer stated that he holds no resentment, and hasn't tried to find answers regarding St Kilda's decision to withdraw their lucrative deal.

Instead, the former first-round pick has begun focusing on what he can contribute to the Giants, especially since he signed a two-year extension until the end of 2027.

"I didn't really try to dig too deep or try to find answers as to why what happened, happened," Aleer said.

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"I just copped it on the chin and saw it as something that's going to be part of my story down the track.

"I didn't really have any answers, and I didn't really feel like finding out any answers. What everyone knew was basically what I knew; there wasn't anything internally I could have found out.

"It was about two seasons ago they showed a bit of interest (in me). I thought to myself that what they were offering and the opportunity they were offering was something I couldn't really turn down. I think anyone in my position would have probably felt the same.

"Things didn't pan out the way I thought they were going to pan out but, mind my language, shit does tend to happen, football is a business and decisions can be made at the flip of a coin."

Aleer has played 25 matches, including a career-best 13 in 2025, but is poised to get more senior opportunities in the wake of Sam Taylor's high-grade hamstring injury.

The Giants kickstart their 2026 campaign with an Opening Round clash against Hawthorn. Aleer will get the chance to face St Kilda in Round 2.