Brisbane midfielder Sam Marshall is expected to seek a trade this off-season for more opportunity, with Essendon and St Kilda the two clubs leading the way for his signature.
The former Brisbane Lions Academy member was taken with Pick 25 in the 2024 National Draft and played 11 matches in 2025, including the Grand Final victory over Geelong.
However, given Brisbane's depth, Marshall is looking for a fresh start and AFL Media is reporting that his choice of club is down to either the Bombers or Saints.
Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs were also in contention, but it is now believed that Marshall will select either Essendon or St Kilda to play at in 2027 and beyond.
The 185cm midfielder has dominated at VFL level this season averaging 25 disposals and 4.8 marks per game across his 16 matches. He has played two AFL games this year.
Despite being taken in the first round of his draft year, only the first 20 selections of the national draft receive three-year deals. Marshall's two-year contract has run out.
The 20-year-old is not a free agent, so the potential of a trade does loom. However, because both Essendon and St Kilda finished lower on the ladder than Brisbane, both clubs can try to walk Marshall through the pre-season draft for free.
Essendon has also been targeting GWS key forward Jake Riccardi, while St Kilda has been busy this off-season as it considers a trade for Alix Tauru, works through a deal with Geelong for Rowan Marshall and looks to lure Lachie Whitfield from GWS.
