A series of GWS Giants players are set to depart the club over the coming days, with St Kilda‘s likely acquisition of Leek Aleer the first domino to fall.
Aleer played just 13 games for the Giants this season. He was in the side beaten by Hawthorn in Saturday’s elimination final but with the likes of Sam Taylor, Harry Himmelberg and Connor Idun on the list, there was no guarantee of a more settled role in 2026.
The defender informed the club in his exit meeting on Monday that he would be requesting a trade.
READ MORE: Papalii joins growing list of busted stars before finals
READ MORE: ‘Disgraceful’ Rayner act exposed before free kick chaos
READ MORE: Fury’s lie about 100km triathlon finish exposed
St Kilda have had strong interest in Aleer despite signing Jack Silvagni to bolster the club’s back six, but that did not influence the 25-year-old Giant’s choice to move.
A source aware of the trade talks told The Age on the condition of anonymity that a four-year deal of around $700,000 per year had been tabled to Aleer by St Kilda.
It is a significant increase to what he could have accepted to remain at the Giants for another two seasons.
Leek Aleer of the Giants takes a mark. Getty
The Giants reportedly do not want to get in the way of Aleer’s future and “will try to get the best deal” for him, as per AFL reporter Cal Twomey.
While Aleer must secure a trade deal to depart GWS, teammate Jacob Wehr is eligible to explore his free agency options.
The Giants confirmed Wehr, who was delisted in 2024, had informed them he would explore his options elsewhere, with a move to Port Adelaide widely expected.
The list of departures from GWS is likely to grow, with Nine’s chief AFL reporter Tom Morris reporting a trade request is expected from defender Wade Derksen.
Morris reports the request is still “a few days away” and that Derksen’s main priority is getting medically cleared before negotiating with rivals.
Morris reports that Derksen will likely join the Melbourne Demons.