Will St Kilda's shrewd list management of retaining Rowan Marshall be a blessing in disguise in the wake of Max King's injury?
King was sent for minor surgery on his troublesome knee, but according to the Saints, is expected to return to full training in January.
The former Pick 4 has not played at AFL level since Round 16, 2024 and missed the entirety of last season due to a right knee issue.
But could the doubt around the health of King be the reason why the Saints were steadfast on not letting Marshall depart?
The Moorabbin club were adamant that Marshall would be a strong pairing with free agent Tom De Koning, who departed Carlton during the free agency period.
Geelong came hard for Marshall, offering Pick 19 and a future second-round selection. West Coast also chucked their hat in the ring. St Kilda vehemently rejected.
And now the decision to keep Marshall to his contract could prove vital to the Saints in 2026.
The makeup of Ross Lyon's forward line has always been an area of intrigue, whether King is available or not.
Jack Higgins, Mitch Owens, Cooper Sharman, Darcy Wilson, Mattaes Phillipou, Dan Butler, and Max Hall have all spent time inside 50.
Higgins led the club's 2025 goal kicking with 46 majors, while Sharman, a third-tall option, bobbed up with 34.
Owens and Mason Wood slotted 25 and 22 goals respectively, but the Saints lacked a genuine presence in the front half, which Marshall could fill.
Anthony Caminiti could also be swung forward, given the acquisition of Jack Silvagni, while Liam Ryan will bolster their front-half small mix.
Marshall isn't immune to stepping up as a key target inside 50. During the Paddy Ryder era, the developing ruckman was set up alongside King, reflected by a 50 per cent attendance in centre bounces in 2021 and 2022.
The new ruck rules favour the likes of De Koning, who could manipulate a ball-up to his advantage by deploying his impressive leap. Marshall's main strength has always been his ability to cover the ground and follow up the contest, similar to the Ryder-Marshall combination five years ago.
