NICK Dal Santo is perhaps only a week away from determining whether he will remain at St Kilda.
The dynamic Saints midfielder, a three-time All Australian, is considering an offer to join North Melbourne and is expected to make a decision before the Grand Final.
Dal Santo's manager Tom Petroro told SEN on Thursday that the sooner he makes his decision, the better it will be for all concerned.
"By the time the Grand Final is over we will have an understanding of what the path will be," he said.
Dal Santo has exercised the trigger clause in his contract to remain with St Kilda, while there is speculation the Kangaroos are keen to bring him to Arden Street.
The Saints would receive a high draft pick in exchange as they set about injecting fresh talent into their squad.
Reports on Thursday suggested that Leigh Montagna was also available if an exceptional deal was offered.
"Nick has been at St Kilda 11 years and has never contemplated life anywhere else," Petroro said. "But it is more complicated this year.
"He still finished sixth in St Kilda's best and fairest and while clubs need to rebuild, they also need strong role models.
"Because we have talked about it all year, he has prepared for both (scenarios) and in the industry we're in we have to understand that movement can happen," Petroro said.
