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.
3. Players only package
Geelong trade: George Stevens, Jhye Clark
St Kilda trade: Rowan Marshall
As mentioned, the Saints are looking to take a leap out of mediocrity in 2026, where they have spent the majority of this decade dwelling.
Therefore, acquiring established AFL-calibre talent may be the best route for them to go down if they are to lose the skillset of Marshall.
One of the key list needs for the Saints this off-season that is yet to be met is adding depth to their midfield class, though Sam Flanders' trade request to Moorabbin will help that cause. While both Stevens and Clark have limited experience at their young ages, just 28 senior appearances combined, both present as smart pickups for the Saints.
Clark can become an inside bull to assist with the run that Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera thrives on, while also having the physicality to play more lockdown, defensively-oriented roles. This would give Marcus Windhager the opportunity to play greater on-ball minutes as he desires, furthering his development as St Kilda's ball-winner.
Stevens similarly possesses the versatility to immediately make an impact for the Saints, effectively playing alongside Geelong's superstar midfield group in 2025 without clash.
