St Kilda is close to a deal to secure four-time premiership Hawk Jarryd Roughead, in what is being described as a multi-faceted off-field role for next season.
Roughead has been closely watched by the Saints since February, with the 32-year-old recently touring the club's facilities in Moorabbin to meet with Saints officials about a long-term deal beginning next year.
The deal would give Roughead a role within the football-department that includes a position within the Saints' coaching, welfare, leadership and list management departments.
Several other rivals have shown recent interest but St Kilda looks to be the most keen on the Hawthorn champion, hoping the veteran's experience can rub-off on a young Saints list.
The 2019 season looks more than likely to be the 282-game superstar's last, with Roughead and the rest of the football world yet to hear if he will receive a farewell game against the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium next week.
Roughead said that working within a footballing-department is the most attractive move following retirement, over a coaching gig.
“I like that (space). I’m not a keen (senior) coach, I wouldn’t have thought,” Roughead said.
“For me the administration side of things, with my knowledge of American sports, with free agency and trading and trading of future picks, and stuff like that.
“I’ve done some footy administration and management courses though the AFL.”
If Roughead was to pen a deal with the Saints for 2020 and beyond, it would be another strong get for the Saints' hierarchy, having signed Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater last year.
