GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Nicola Stevens of the Blues kicks during the round eight AFLW match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Carlton Blues at Metricon Stadium on March 19, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

St Kilda has commenced the arduous task of filling the myriad of holes in their AFLW list by luring former Magpie and Blue Nicola Stevens to Linton Street.

After conversing with the 29-year-old ahead of the sign and trade period, the Saints wasted no time in completing the deal, with Stevens signing on the dotted line.

The Nick Dal Santo-led outfit was required to part with their first-round compensation selection (pick 28) to bring the All-Australian and best and fairest winning forward across town.

Speaking to saints.com.au, Stevens claimed she was keen to get cracking with her third side prior to the start of season seven in August.

“I’m really excited to join the Saints,” Stevens said.

“After meeting with Nick Dal Santo, Tessie McManus and some players and staff I just knew this was the right place for me to be heading into Season Seven.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know all the girls a bit more and head into pre-season with a real appetite for growth and to see this group succeed.”

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Having played in every single available contest across the course of her six-year career at both Victoria and Princes Parks, Stevens is set to bring a wealth of knowledge to Dal Santo's fledgling side which managed just two wins across the course of last summer.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Nicola to the club,” St Kilda's Head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.

“Nicola is composed with ball in hand, has great marking ability, and allows us some additional flexibility thanks to her ability to play both down back and up forward.

"She’s a seasoned professional, having a positive influence on her teammates both on and off the field, and we look forward to the insight and learnings she can bring to our young playing group."

Stevens was named as an All-Australian during 2017 and claimed club champion honours with the Pies that season as well.

The Saints are also set to pounce on West Coast's Grace Kelly during this off-season after the 28-year-old committed her future to the Moorabbin-based club earlier this month.

St Kilda still has an uphill task to replace a plethora of names that walked out of the doors at RSEA Park including the ilk of Cat Phillips, Jacqui Vogt, Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Kate McCarthy.