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

“We see him playing in our forward line,” 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.

“He’s a contracted player and he hasn’t come to us and said I am out,” Ratten said.

“We see him playing at the Saints. He kicked 36 goals, he was fifth in contested marks in the competition. They don’t grow on trees."

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