ST KILDA says it is committed to retaining ruckman Billy Longer despite the 23-year-old falling behind Tom Hickey in the pecking order.
The club's chief operating officer Ameet Bains told NAB AFL Trade Radio that Longer was needed to provide competition in the ruck.
"We're not looking to trade Billy, we signed him for two years earlier this year," Bains said.
"He was outstanding in 2015 … (but) had a pretty disjointed season this year and Tom Hickey had a breakout year and emerged like Billy did the previous year.
"We're in a really fortunate position where we've got ruckmen who are at similar parts of their career that are quite competitive against each other.
"That's driving the guys in a really productive way."
Longer didn't play a game this season after a shoulder injury and a concussion put him on the back foot.
The Saints are playing a wait and see approach with Sam Fisher depending on what happens during the trade period, but will give ex-Swan Sean Dempster a one-year contract extension.
Dempster, 32, has played 222 games since being taken with the 34th pick of the 2002 draft by the Swans.
He played 19 games last season and Bains confirmed the backman was a required player.
"Sean will play on in 2017, we're working through what a one-year extension looks like," Bains said.
"He's fit, healthy, ready to go.
"(He) missed a couple games at the back end of the season, but he's been a really strong part of that back six and is really durable.
"We hope to get that wrapped up in the coming weeks."
• Key dates for the NAB AFL Trade Period
Fisher's career remains in limbo as the Saints weigh up whether to offer the defender a new deal.
"We've been having pretty transparent discussions for three or four months about where it sits," Bains said.
"As we've discussed with him and his manager, we need to assess what the trade period looks like.
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"Sam is pretty relaxed is about that as well, so we'll see what the next month brings."
The Saints remain interested in big-bodied Greater Western Sydney midfielder Jack Steele, who may leave the Giants for more opportunities.
"The Giants' midfield is incredible, if you look at the guys who missed out in playing in a lot of their finals, it's the envy of all clubs and Jack's one that we felt if he came to our club he would get that opportunity," Baines said.
"In terms of his size, his running capacity, his ability to play overhead and to play in different parts of the ground.
"If Jack was to leave the Giants, he would complement (our midfield)."
The Saints are likely to use their first-round pick, currently at No.10, but may consider offers.
"Our standing principle is picking the best player at that pick," Bains said.
"As it stands, we'll be using that pick in the draft, but not shying away from splitting that pick.
"Clubs are contemplating turning that pick into two picks later on."
