St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall could seek a new home if the club successfully lures Carlton big man Tom De Koning.
Much has been made of the De Koning chase, with the Saints reportedly offering a monster deal worth around $1.6 million over seven years.
Clubs around the competition have rarely used two genuine ruckmen in a game, and according to Channel 7's Mitch Cleary, that could spell a change for Marshall despite being contracted until the end of 2027.
"This is a story that I think will heat up in the next seven weeks," Cleary said on The Agenda Setters.
"Clubs feel that Rowan Marshall is open to a move if De Koning arrived (at St Kilda)."
🗣️ Mitch Cleary on Rowan Marshall's future pic.twitter.com/I44aWU0Vo1
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 8, 2025
"There are rival clubs that believe if Tom De Koning arrives at Moorabbin, which looks increasingly likely, that Rowan Marshall will be open to exploring a trade away from the Saints.
"The two ruckman situation clearly hasn't been working around the competition. Other clubs feel that Rowan Marshall is open to a move if De Koning arrives.
"The Saints hold the whip hand here. He turns 30 later this year, he has two years left on a lucrative contract at more than $800,000 a season.
"But clubs see Rowan Marshall in play when it comes to the ruck merry-go-round at the end of the year."
Geelong is understood to be assessing the situation.
Cleary added that the relationship between coach Ross Lyon and Marshall is strong, and suggested that the Saints believe the pair can work in tandem.
"Ross feels he's got an extremely close relationship with Rowan Marshall. It's even grown in the last 12 months, they regularly catch up away from the footy club," Cleary added.
"Marshall has been playing sore the last couple of weeks with a back concern.
"The Saints are adamant that the two-ruck situation is going to work and that Marshall will be brought along for the ride.
"But it's in limbo from the Rowan Marshall side of things."
Marshall is set to play his 150th game for St Kilda when they host Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
