Just hours after St Kilda officially signed their star target of the off-season, former Blues ruck Tom De Koning, their primary ruck of nine years, Rowan Marshall, requested a trade.
Marshall has expressed his desire to play for the Geelong Cats next season, a club that reportedly spoke with Marshall in early September about a potential move down the highway amid the talent squeeze at Moorabbin.
The Cats' ruck stocks have long been considered to require a boost, with 34-year-old Rhys Stanley evidently no longer the best option for them moving forward following an underwhelming grand final performance.
Securing Marshall would instantly bolster Geelong's dynamism within their tall stocks, with Marshall having the capability to present as a legitimate forward target and aerial threat, as well as a dominant ruck.
But what gets a deal done for Marshall, who is contracted to St Kilda until 2027? We look at four offers that could benefit both parties.
2. Picks and players package
Geelong trade: Pick 18, George Stevens
St Kilda trade: Rowan Marshall
Rather than relying on a future selection, St Kilda may look to pry an out-of-favour player out of the Cattery in return for Marshall, in addition to the Cats' first-round pick.
George Stevens is currently out of contract and only managed two senior games in 2025, but he demonstrated enormous potential in those matches, particularly his debut, where he recorded 14 score involvements.
The 20-year-old is a big-bodied midfielder who is capable of playing across half-back, with his flexible talent making him one of the top-rated teenagers ahead of the 2023 draft, where he was selected 58th overall.
Pairing his promise with Pick 18 could be seen as value enough for the 201cm big man and help add to St Kilda's growing list depth.
