ST KILDA has approached Greater Western Sydney about trading for the No.1 pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, but head of football Chris Pelchen says the Giants are reluctant to part with their prized selection.

 

After trading ruckman Ben McEvoy to Hawthorn on Thursday, the Saints – who currently hold picks No.3 and No.17 – are intent on finding a third selection inside the top 20.  

 

That could come in the form of the Hawks' compensation pick for losing Lance Franklin, with a further swap of picks between St Kilda and Hawthorn expected to take place as part of the McEvoy trade.  

 

The Saints could send their second round pick (currently No.21) to the Hawks in exchange for their compensation pick, expected to be No.19.

 

Pelchen, however, indicated the club was aiming higher at this stage of the Gillette AFL Trade Period.

 

"We have approached GWS on pick one, but they are reluctant to trade this selection and have not provided any indication as to what they would be seeking," Pelchen said in a live chat on saints.com.au on Friday.

 

"We would love to secure a top 10 pick, but think it's highly unlikely as these are difficult to attain. We remain hopeful and determined of securing another top 20 selection."

 

Pelchen said Hawthorn was unaware of what compensation it would receive for losing Franklin, so a deal for that pick could not be arranged yet.

 

It is expected a further swap of picks will take place as part of the McEvoy trade, which saw the Saints land Shane Savage and pick No.17.

 

Pelchen said the Giants had expressed interest in contracted defender Sam Fisher, but a decision on his future was yet to be made.

 

He said the club understood supporter concerns around midfielder Nick Dal Santo, whose manager has been in discussions with North Melbourne.  

 

"Nick has a contract extension available to him for 2014 but has not yet decided on his immediate future at the Saints," Pelchen said.

 

"We are very respectful of his contribution and popularity at St Kilda and hope to have a definitive answer on whether he remains with the Saints in the next few days."