St Kilda have “ramped up” their pursuit of in-demand free agent Jack Silvagni, tabling a long-term contract offer for the deparing Carlton star.
The 27-year-old confirmed last week that he would be taking up his unrestricted free agency after a decade with the Blues, ending a lengthy family history at the club.
Silvagni has been linked with a number of rival clubs including the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood – but it now appears another team in firmly in the mix.
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Jack Silvagni Dylan Burns via Getty Images
Nine’s chief AFL reporter Tom Morris revealed on Sunday’s edition of Footy Furnace that the gun defender is in the sights of the Saints, who have put forward a sizeable offer.
“St Kilda’s interest in him has really ramped up in the last few days,” Morris said.
“I think St Kilda’s offer, according to rival clubs, is somewhere between $800,000 and $850,000 a year – which could even trigger band one compensation for Carlton.
“He will meet with St Kilda in the next few days, do a medical and then it’s a matter of whether he wants to go to Collingwood, Western Bulldogs or Moorabin.”
Morris also revealed that the Bulldogs are “not as confident” as they were earlier in the negotiation process with Silvagni.
After locking down Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera on the league’s first $2 million contract, as well as closing in on the signing of Tom De Konig on big money, Jimmy Bartel believes the aggressive approach from the Saints is a sign of “flexibility” in their salary cap.
“I love it,” he said.
“They are standing for something, they are having a crack.
“[I said to] make sure you take care of the ones you’ve got in your building, which they have with Wanganeen-Milera.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera Getty
“They must have some space in their salary cap, but also the length of those deals actually allows you flexibility.
“The more years you’ve got up your sleeve, the more money you can move around.”
St Kilda finished in 12th spot this year, recording nine victories under coach Ross Lyon.