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ST KILDA has been successful in its hunt for a key defender, securing promising Port Adelaide backman Logan Austin on the final day of trading.
The Saints snared 13-gamer Austin and the Power's 2018 fourth-round pick in exchange for their own 2018 third-round selection.
After failing to land their chief target in Greater Western Sydney big man Adam Tomlinson, the Saints made an 11th-hour bid for the developing Austin.
The 22-year-old from Canberra, who was contracted at Port for next season, requested a trade to St Kilda late on Thursday, attracted by the Saints' guarantee of more senior opportunities.
Austin is a cousin of recently retired Saint Sean Dempster and a mate of midfielder Jack Steele.
The No.69 pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, he made his AFL debut last year when he played 11 games and showed he is capable of matching it with the game's best power forwards.
However, Austin made just two appearances this year as he found it difficult to break into a strong back six.
He will provide support for St Kilda's established key defenders Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown.
"One of our major objectives during the trade period was to strengthen our key defensive stocks and we feel Logan Austin fulfils that need," Saints list manager Tony Elshaug said.
"He is player that our recruiting team have tracked for a while now and someone we believe has plenty of upside.
"He has outstanding character and, while we think he will improve, importantly he is ready to play a key defensive role immediately when called upon."
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