There’s a trade watch on St Kilda’s skipper. Plus a club that was approached about potential interest in Jack Silvagni earlier this season, and the latest on two Suns out of contract.
In and Under delves into footy’s hottest topics, with insights from behind the scenes.
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TRADE WATCH ON STEELE
There’s a trade watch on Jack Steele, despite the Saints skipper and club downplaying the call to make him sub as management.
Steele became the fourth club captain in the game’s history to be made sub in Sunday’s win over North Melbourne after he primarily played forward last week against Melbourne with low time on ground.
Saints coach Ross Lyon said Steele had a “really bad neck” that’s “affected his performance” and sub duties would “freshen him,” ensuring his captain would be in the starting 22 for his 200th game against Richmond next week.
Steele told the Herald Sun he’d been “banged up” and was happy at St Kilda, saying he “couldn’t give a rat’s arse” about trade rumours.
But it’s understood there’s uncertainty around Steele’s future at the Saints amid rumblings of a level of disharmony behind the scenes as rival clubs consider a play.
Lyon effectively inherited Steele as his captain when he returned to the Saints in 2023, while it’s believed the midfielder has in recent years assessed his options.
Steele, 29, is contracted until 2027 on a five-year deal signed at the end of 2021.
West Coast is a team to watch as a potential suitor for Steele as the club seeks midfield depth, having targeted Angus Sheldrick prior to the on-baller re-signing with Sydney this week.
It comes as the Saints desperately try to re-sign Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera amid interest from both South Australian clubs. St Kilda is also set to land Carlton’s Tom De Koning and GWS’ Leek Aleer and has interest in Gold Coast’s Sam Flanders ahead of a busy off-season.
Rowan Marshall and Marcus Windhager, who’s out of contract, also face uncertain futures at Moorabbin.
SWANS WERE APPROACHED FOR SILVAGNI INTEREST
Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs are circling Carlton free agent Jack Silvagni as the third-generation Blue contemplates a switch.
And it’s understood Sydney was earlier this season approached by Silvagni’s management on potential interest in the defender.
The Swans, however, are expected to be prioritising the other end of the ground, having been linked with Blues star forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, who clubs have been told are off-limits.
Sydney is still watching the Jamarra-Ugle-Hagan situation, despite the Dogs forward having not yet played a game at any level in 2025.
If Silvagni does indeed decide to leave Carlton, a bidding war could help improve the compensation pick Carlton gets.
It comes amid rumblings of disharmony from Collingwood’s out-of-contract senior players, who are receiving modest offers compared to the four-year deal the Pies have offered Silvagni.
It’s believed Darcy Cameron is considering a move to West Coast and return to his home state, while rival clubs are also circling Brody Mihocek, who the Pies have only offered a one-year year deal to.
Collingwood legend Tony Shaw believes the Pies should prioritise getting Silvagni, 27, over retaining Mihocek, 32, given the age gap.
“If they can keep Mihocek and get Silvagni, that’d be brilliant. Mihocek is a really good player, not a superstar. But if someone wants to give him a two or three-year deal at 32, good luck to you,” Shaw told foxfooty.com.au.
“If he leaves, it’s all good. He’s been a great player and premiership player. This is the reality about football. He’s done well and is going alright at the moment, but you’re one injury away at 32 years of age.
“With Jeremy Howe getting on and Darcy Moore approaching 30, you’re getting a bit old (in defence). Silvagni was one of the best one-on-one defenders in the competition until he got hurt again. I’d go there every minute of the day.
“It’s pretty simple really I think, getting Silvagni in and Mihocek out. If you can keep both, you do it. If not, see you later.”
SUNS START TALKS WITH MIDFIELDER, SMALL FORWARD DRAWING INTEREST
Gold Coast is in early discussions with Brayden Fiorini on a contract extension beyond 2025 amid a strong patch of form from the free agent.
Fiorini returned to the Suns senior team in Round 9 after a dominant run in the VFL and has played every game since in Damien Hardwick’s side.
The 27-year old has averaged 28 disposals over his last three games as the Suns close in on their first ever finals campaign.
Meanwhile, out-of-contract small forward Malcolm Rosas is drawing interest from rival clubs including the Tigers and Swans.
Rosas, 24, has played only three senior games this season and not featured at AFL level since Round 11.
Despite holding three first-round picks, the Suns would ideally bolster their draft hand amid links to highly-rated academy guns Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson, who could both go in the top five of the 2025 draft.
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