Melbourne has reportedly expressed interest in out-of-contract Saint Max Heath.
The Demons have longed for a replacement for club great Max Gawn, who continues to defy the odds and fend off Father Time.
Gawn is contracted until the end of 2027.
Luke Jackson was poised to take over from Gawn, but made a trade request that saw him return to Western Australia and Fremantle ahead of 2023 AFL season.
Since then, Melbourne has welcomed Tom Campbell, Tom Fullarton and Will Verrall to the club.
However, the interest in Heath, reported by AFL Media, comes shortly after he made his long-awaited debut in Round 18 and played four of the final six clashes to round out 2025.
The 22-year-old has been with the Moorabbin club since the 2020 Mid-Season Draft and has largely toiled away in the VFL.
It is understood St Kilda has yet to offer him a deal for next year.
It comes as it was confirmed that Carlton free agent Tom De Koning will be joining the Saints following the completion of the 2025 finals series.
The free agency period opens on Friday, October 3.
Melbourne's interest in Heath also continues the ruck merry-go-round that is set to occur as the player movement space nears.
Rowan Marshall has been heavily linked to Geelong due to the De Koning move, while Carlton is looking to bring in Ned Reeves and Liam Reidy as depth options.
