Wantaway St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall reportedly earned late interest from West Coast during the trade period.
Marshall had informed the Saints of his desire to join Geelong, who had expressed a mutual interest as Carlton free agent Tom De Koning sought a move to Moorabbin.
With De Koning, who is expected to be one of the game's highest-paid players in the AFL with his new deal, assumed to take the first-string ruck duties, Marshall's future became clouded.
Despite requesting a move to Geelong before the 10-day trade period commenced earlier this month, no deal was brokered between the Cats and Saints by last Wednesday's deadline, seeing Marshall - who is under contract until the end of 2027 - remain a Saint.
"Rowan knows how highly we value his talent, leadership and commitment, and we are excited about how he and Tom will work together as part of our evolving structure," Saints president Andrew Bassat wrote in a letter to members.
"His presence will continue to be a driving force in the standards and connection within our football program."
It has now been revealed that West Coast emerged as a late suitor for Marshall, however their 11th-hour play failed to spark interest, according to a report from The West Australian.
The Eagles' trade plans were finalised by the first day of the trade period's second week, having secured Tylar Young and Brandon Starcevich from Richmond and Brisbane respectively, while bidding farewell to Oscar Allen, Campbell Chesser and Liam Ryan.
West Coast netted Pick 2 as compensation for the loss of Allen to Brisbane, while a trade deal that saw Starcevich head to Western Australia also pocketed the Eagles Pick 13 from Fremantle.
That selection might've been required in any trade deal for Marshall, with Geelong's Pick 19 being a central piece to their offer, which was knocked back by the Saints.
West Coast were in the market for a top line ruckman in 2025, having also expressed an interest in Collingwood best and fairest winner Darcy Cameron earlier in the year.
The Eagles heavily relied on Matt Flynn in their most recent campaign, with Bailey Williams often pinch-hitting. Flynn's 443 hitouts for the season ranked 18th in the league, with his average of 24.6 coming in at 21st overall.
