Newly-appointed St Kilda coach, Brett Ratten says he expects contracted key-forward, Josh Bruce to stay a Saint.

โ€œWe see him playing in our forward line,โ€ Ratten said on SEN Breakfast this morning.

Fox Sports reported last week that Bruce has requested a trade to the Western Bulldogs and has already made up his mind after meeting with Bulldogs Coach, Luke Beveridge.

โ€œHeโ€™s a contracted player and he hasnโ€™t come to us and said I am out,โ€ Ratten said.

โ€œWe see him playing at the Saints. He kicked 36 goals, he was fifth in contested marks in the competition. They donโ€™t grow on trees."

Bruce has one more year left on his contract at St Kilda.