Could St Kilda see a mass exodus of experienced players?
The narrative around the Saints has been dominated by the headlines of retaining star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, as well as luring Carlton free agent Tom De Koning.
While the latter appears all but certain on a lucrative deal, plus the likely acquisition of GWS defender Leek Aleer, the moves could set the Moorabbin club backwards.
No official word on Wanganeen-Milera's future beyond 2025, although having not re-signed at this point in the year has historically spelled danger for the host club.
De Koning's arrival at St Kilda might push veteran ruckman Rowan Marshall down the highway to Geelong, who are in desperate need of a tall to replace Rhys Stanley.
The attention for Aleer has reportedly upset All-Australian defender Callum Wilkie, while captain Jack Steele's peculiar sub call a fortnight ago could be seen as a trade option for rivals.
Wanganeen-Milera's teammate and housemate, Marcus Windhager, is another who could "seek greener pastures".
"They've been busy in the market, spending a lot of money," Michelangelo Rucci told SEN SA's The Run Home.
"(They are) certainly going to spend a lot of money on Tom De Koning, which has been an interesting little trade in itself in its play at the moment, whereby that is happening.
"But where is the fallout everywhere else? The one that is really interesting is when you have another local boy, Callum Wilkie. I understand he will seek his options as well at the end of the year.
"Jack Steele – expect him to seek greener pastures. An interesting one is Marcus Windhager… my understanding is that he will seek greener pastures.
"Rowan Marshall is the other interesting one. We know Rowan is looking at Tom De Koning coming in and saying, 'Well, I'm on my way as well'. Does he finish at Carlton? Does he get into the mix of this trade?
"Or does he go to Geelong, or does he end up at Brisbane? He is going somewhere. This is going to be a fascinating trade period."
SEN's Sam Edmund confirmed that Wilkie, contracted until the end of 2027, is "disillusioned" with the club's direction.
"He's particularly concerned about the list management workings of his football club," Edmund said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.
"He's particularly concerned about the list management workings of his football club."
Cal Wilkie is "disillusioned" with the direction of St Kilda, per Sam Edmund. pic.twitter.com/3zRhilFbAj
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 11, 2025
"The defender isn't happy with the attempts to retain Nasiah & Windhager and was disappointed Marshall wasn't fully informed of the TDK plans sooner.
"The kicker is that 22-gamer Leek Aleer is set to join on the same money as Wilkie - an All-Australian, reigning best and fairest and most likely, next year's captain."
It was also suggested by former Essendon player and media personality Tim Watson that the Saints went hard for West Coast wunderkind Harley Reid.
St Kilda will also have to make contract calls on Arie Schoenmaker, Angus McLennan, Dougal Howard, Harry Boyd, Isaac Keeler, Jack Carroll, Jimmy Webster, Liam O'Connell, Liam Stocker, Max Heath, Ryan Byrnes, Zaine Cordy and Zak Jones.
