St Kilda has signed former Adelaide ruckman Paul Hunter, bolstering the club’s ruck stocks following the foot injury to Rowan Marshall.
Hunter joins the Saints via the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period after being invited to train with the club in early February.
The 28-year-old caught the eye in St Kilda’s intra-club match on Thursday with tall trio Marshall, Paddy Ryder and Shaun McKernan all unavailable.
Hunter was preparing for a second season with SANFL club South Adelaide before the Saints came calling.
“We were really happy to be able to get Paul over to the Saints,” St Kilda’s list boss James Gallagher told the club's website.
“We initially invited Paul to train with us, with a view to look at him in the mid-season or November draft.
“But with the injury to Rowan this week, and Paul’s strong performances in our match practice, it became very evident that he should be on our list.
“We’re conscious of the implications for South Adelaide, but it’s important we head into the season with further ruck support and we believe that Paul is the best prepared ruckman outside of the AFL.
“Paul’s a dedicated guy, and he’s really excited to get another shot at the highest level, so we’re very happy to be able to provide that opportunity.”
Hunter didn’t make a senior appearance during his four years at the Crows.