St Kilda has opened contract talks with key tall Rowan Marshall.
Saints list boss James Gallagher told SEN Mornings that negotiations over a new deal with Marshall and his management are at a “preliminary” stage.
The 26-year-old, who comes out of contract next year, is “really keen” to stay at Moorabbin beyond 2022, according to Gallagher.
Marshall missed chunks of the 2021 season due to a troublesome foot injury that required surgery, restricting the ruck-forward to 13 games.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.
“They (contract talks) have been very preliminary at this stage,” Gallagher said.
“Rowan is as invested in our footy club as anyone. He’s really keen to stay but only when the time is right.
“He had a really interrupted year last year, so he’s pretty keen to get back to full training, play some games and then once he feels settled with how he’s going with his body, then we’ll look to do something.
“He’s certainly a player we’re really keen to keep and everything we know so far is that he’s really keen to stay.”
One of St Kilda’s most important players, Marshall has played 65 for the Saints after being selected in the 2016 rookie draft.
His emergence was rewarded with a three-year contract extension in 2019.
St Kilda co-captain Jack Steele signed a five-year deal with the club on Friday.