Indicative draft order: What picks will your club take to the draft
PROMISING Greater Western Sydney midfielder Jack Steele has requested a trade to St Kilda during the upcoming trade period.
The 20-year-old played 17 games in his two seasons with the Giants but was on the edge of selection heading into the club's first finals series after overcoming a fractured hand.
However a foot injury on the eve of the finals ruled him out of both the NEAFL Grand Final and AFL finals.
“Jack has indicated he wants to join St Kilda and we believe he would be a great addition to our list,” St Kilda's chief operating officer Ameet Bains said.
“The club will work closely with both Greater Western Sydney and Jack’s management to ensure we can come to a suitable trade arrangement.”
Steele would have been a big chance to come into the side for the Giants' preliminary final after Steve Johnson was suspended.
The Canberra-product is a tough inside player who will add depth to the Saints emerging midfield
A required player at the Giants, Steele was keenly sought after to complement the outside run of Seb Ross, Jack Billings and Jack Steven and support David Armitage as an inside midfielder.
Steele was selected as an Academy graduate with pick No.23 after North Melbourne made a bid for him at pick No.15 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.
St Kilda has picks No.10, 47, 65, 83 and 101 in the NAB AFL Draft.
The Saints traded their second-round selection to Collingwood as part of the trade for Nathan Freeman last year.
GWS admitted on Saturday afternoon that Steele was on the move, saying they would seek the best outcome for the club.
"The Giants can confirm that Jack Steele has requested a trade and nominated St Kilda FC as his preferred option," they said in a statement.
"The Giants will now endeavour to complete a trade that is beneficial for the club.
"The club wishes Jack all the best for the future."
The Giants have been forced to strip back their list as they bring their salary cap back in line with other clubs in the competition, and could not match what the Saints were able to offer.
The club is expected to have a busy trade period as it seeks to bring in talented Academy graduates Will Setterfield and Harry Perryman.
Caleb Marchbank has already requested a trade to Carlton while James Stewart and Will Hoskin-Elliott are likely to join Steele in requesting a trade in the next fortnight.
The Giants are also negotiating with Fremantle to trade Cam McCarthy who spent a year on the sidelines after not being traded at the end of 2016.
The club extended exciting ruck-forward Rory Lobb's contract by two years earlier this week.
