Saints secure pick 21 from Geelong as Rhys Stanley heads to the Cattery
St Kilda and Geelong have finalised a trade sending tall forward Rhys Stanley and pick No.60 to the Cats in exchange for pick No.21 in the upcoming NAB AFL Draft.
After talks between the clubs on Tuesday, the deal was finalised on Wednesday, with the Saints now holding back-to-back picks at the end of the first round (No.21 and No.22).
The Cats, who received pick No.21 from the Brisbane Lions on Monday in exchange for midfielder Allen Christensen, have been active in pursuing more tall talent to support key forward Tom Hawkins.
They secured former Melbourne tall Mitch Clark on Wednesday in a three-way deal that sent premiership Cat Travis Varcoe to Collingwood.
The athletic Stanley, who won the Grand Final sprint in 2009, is capable of rotating in the ruck or playing in defence. He has played 58 games in six seasons.
His 2014 campaign was inconsistent and the 23-year-old was dropped to the VFL mid-season for three weeks.
He was a star against Fremantle in round 18, however, showing his potential as a second forward alongside captain Nick Riewoldt in a brilliant performance, taking 14 marks and kicking three goals.
Stanley signed a three-year contract halfway through the 2012 season, leaving the Saints with one year remaining on his contract.
Watch North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson's mid-week press conference
27:47
Exclusive
Exclusive
Member Q&A: Clarkson, Viney answer your questions
On the latest edition of our Member Q&A presented by Spirit of Tasmania, AFL senior coach Alastair Clarkson and general manager of football Todd Viney respond to your questions
11:09
'We just have to stay the course and hang in there': Clarkson
North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson speaks to the media following the Round 7 loss to the Crows
02:29
Interview
Interview
Co-captain's message to members and fans
A frustrated Luke McDonald speaks to NMFC Media following the loss to Adelaide