SYDNEY Swans forward Tim Membrey has requested a trade to St Kilda.
Membrey, who has played one game in two seasons with the Swans, nominated the Saints as his preferred club on the opening day of the NAB AFL Trade Period after meeting with a number of Victorian clubs.
Saints list manager Ameet Bains confirmed St Kilda was the 20-year-old's preferred destination.
"We will now endeavour to get a trade done," Bains told saints.com.au.
Membrey, who was recruited with pick No.46 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, played his only senior game with the Swans in round 19 this season as a late inclusion for star forward Lance Franklin.
He enjoyed a strong year in the NEAFL as a regular goalkicker, booting eight goals in round four and finishing the season with a bag of five.
Membrey's manager Matt Bain said his client had met with Saints coach Alan Richardson and was impressed with him and the set up at Seaford.
He said Membrey felt it was time to pursue more consistent senior opportunities that could be denied at the Swans given the presence of Franklin, Kurt Tippett and his mentor Adam Goodes.
"[The Saints] had a lot of interest during the year and we were in discussions a fair bit – they had people up to watch him a number of times," Bain told NAB AFL Trade Radio.
"They always had the really strong interest out of all the clubs. There was interest from a fair few, but they were the ones going pretty hard at him.
"When he met them, everything sort of all lined up.
"Sydney has said they won't really stand in his way too much. He's a brilliant kid so they're happy to facilitate a trade for him."
St Kilda has also held discussions with GWS pair Jono O'Rourke and Kristian Jaksch, and was fielding offers for its prized pick No.1 on Monday.
It is understood the Saints are seeking to keep any deals for its pick No.1 separate to possible trades for O'Rourke and Jaksch.
Bain, who also represents Jaksch, said the 19-year-old was keener on pursuing a career at Carlton but remained open to playing for the Saints.
"He got back from Bali last night and we had a chat … he's probably got a slight preference for Carlton at the moment," Bain said.
"I have spoken to St Kilda this morning and it's probably depending on whether they can get something done or not.
"[The Blues] need to do a fair bit of work over the next little period to try and facilitate a trade with GWS.
"He wants to get there but if that doesn't work out, he's happy to look at St Kilda as well."
