St Kilda has delisted veteran duo Dan Butler and Ryan Brynes but will redraft them as rookies for 2027.
As part of the club's list management strategy, the Saints will free up list spots to welcome a pair of first-round draftees (Picks 10 and 16), which will automatically go on their primary list.
Byrnes has played 95 games for St Kilda since being selected at pick 52 in the 2019 National AFL Draft. The 25-year-old was a consistent feature in the AFL side last season, playing the final 15 games of 2026.
The 30-year-old Butler played 10 games last season, including the final two in the AFL side. In total, he has played 116 games and kicked 125 goals for the Saints since joining the club from Richmond ahead of the 2020 season.
“We've had several positive conversations with Ryan and Dan since the end of the season and made it clear we're committed to re-selecting them," General Manager of Football Lenny Hayes said.
"They have both been valued members of our program for several seasons. During this time, they have proven reliable contributors and we're confident they will play their role for the team again next year."
St Kilda farewelled Jack Carroll, Paddy Dow, Isaac Keeler and Patrick Said, with the quartet all delisted by the club.
Rowan Marshall was successfully traded to Geelong, while Dougal Howard retired from the AFL.
The Saints did welcome Brisbane premiership player Sam Marshall, who joined the club via the trade period.
