ST KILDA has scored a recruiting coup, with Fremantle livewire Bradley Hill nominating the Saints as his preferred destination during the 2019 NAB AFL Trade Period.

GIVE ME FIVE Dockers want No.5 pick as part of Hill haul

Hill, a triple-premiership player with Hawthorn, has played 54 games in three seasons for the Dockers following his switch from the Hawks.

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On Thursday, AFL.com.au revealed that Fremantle will demand St Kilda's pick five in any trade for Hill, who has two years remaining on his existing deal with the Dockers.

Bradley Hill in action against the Saints in round 21 this season. Picture: AFL Photos

Speculation mounted throughout the season that Hill and his partner were keen to return to Victoria for family reasons.

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In a statement on Friday, St Kilda said: "The club respects that Bradley is still a contracted player and will work with Fremantle Football Club to facilitate a trade. Until a mutually agreed upon deal is done, the club will make no further comment."

The Dockers sent pick No.25 to Hawthorn for Hill at the 2016 trade period, but are understood to be keen on landing the Saints' No.5 pick at this year's draft as part of any deal for the talented 26-year-old.

St Kilda are set to be major players at this year's trade period as new coach Brett Ratten looks to reshape his squad.

Jack Steven and Josh Bruce have been linked to potential moves to Geelong and the Western Bulldogs respectively.

While the club would be loath to lose both, they will almost certainly need to add to their current picks if they are to deal for Hill, with their first selection after pick No.5 not until No.55.

The Saints are also keen to lure Adelaide defender Alex Keath, who has undergone a physical at Moorabbin.

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