SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Lachie Whitfield of the Giants is tackled by Chris Mayne of the Dockers during the roUnd 22 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Fremantle Dockers at Spotless Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Greater Western Sydney off loaded yet another bevy of youngsters and high draft picks in last year's trade period and that trend looks set to continue into 2017 as several youngsters consider their futures in the star studded team.

The latest who is in the sights of a Victorian club, is former No.1 draft pick and current banned player, Lachie Whitfield.

The AFL Footy Show's, Damian Barrett, reported on Thursday night that St Kilda is set to launch a bid for the 22-year-old.

Whitfield was banned for six months by the AFL for hiding at former Giants’ official Craig Lambert’s house in order to avoid drug testers last season, with the help of former GWS football chief, Graeme Allan.

Prior to his ban, Whitfield played all but three games in 2016, in a career best season, averaging 20.6 disposals, 3.5 tackles and 5.9 marks per game.

"A cashed up St Kilda are tonight preparing to launch a very serious bid to woo disgruntled Giant Lachie Whitfield," Barrett said.

"While Whitfield is contracted until the end of 2018, that is not going to deter the Saints from having a serious crack at him at the end of this particular year.

"Their links with him go back to when he was a 16-year-old, he trained with the club back then and they've kept in touch with people around him."

Barrett also suggested there may be some discontent between Whitfield's camp and the Giants, paving the way for a possible move.

"Some people close to Whitfield are still upset at some aspects of the Giants' handling of matters pertaining to the ban that he is currently serving," Barrett added.

Whitfield has played a total of 72 games in four seasons at the club.