St Kilda list boss James Gallagher has confirmed the club hasn’t ruled out using Blake Acres as part of a trade for Brad Hill.
The midfielder is currently in Perth for discussions with the Dockers as the two clubs attempt to work out a complicated deal.
“The discussions there have been good (for Hill). They’re very professional, so it feels like we are inching closer there,” Gallagher told Telstra AFL Trade Radio.
“(Acres could be involved in the deal), yeah possibly. It’s been reported that Fremantle have indicated some level of interest in him.
“Those discussions happen, certainly for interstate players, it is too early to know if he will or won’t, but we’re pretty open minded, as are Fremantle at the moment, to get a fair deal done.”
While they are eager to add the contracted Hill, they remain staunch in their desire to keep Josh Bruce, who is in a very similar boat.
The key forward wishes to join the Bulldogs, but Gallagher said he is an important player to them and not one they want to lose.
“It is certainly not a formality. Bruce is contracted for another year. He’s a really important footballer to us. He is a critical part of our forward line. Especially with the scenario we are in with Paddy McCartin having some real bad luck with concussions and Max King just being a boy,” he said.
“Bruce is vital for us, he’s really popular with our members and supporters as well. At the same time, he has said if you can help me or allow me to get the Dogs I would quite like that.
“We’ve got to take that into consideration, balancing all of those things up. What it just means, like with Brad and Dougal, we need to organise that we believe is a fair reflection of Bruce’s talent and performances.
“If nothing else, we’re talking to the Bulldogs and inching closer to a deal. I think we’ll land somewhere that is pretty fair.”
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As for Zak Jones and Dan Butler, who have also requested trades to St Kilda, Gallagher remains confident they will pull off both trades.
“They’re still progressing okay. A lot of work to do, but I am hopeful,” he said.
“I’m maintaining a level of confidence that we can get it done only because we are dealing with other clubs who are pretty sensible and smart people.”
The Saints today added Paddy Ryder and Dougal Howard from Port Adelaide.