Trade talk: The Vic-bound star shaping Marshall's potential Saints exit

Rowan Marshall could once again seek a move from St Kilda, and according to SEN's Tom Morris, the fate of the wantaway ruckman may lie in the hands of another outgoing star.

After a failed attempt to join Geelong over the 2025 off-season, Marshall is reportedly seeking a shift once more, with his priorities set on being the number one ruckman at his next AFL club.

Opting against a formal request in his exit meeting with the club, Morris has reported that Marshall is looking to avoid the extensive coverage over his future that ensued over last season's trade period.

With that in mind, the 30-year-old is awaiting the decision from another superstar that has already requested a move to Victoria before making any formal calls.

“He had his exit meeting yesterday at St Kilda, and there was no discussion of a trade or any player movement – he is contracted for next year,” Morris told SEN Locked In.

“What happened last year with Geelong is what the Marshall camp is trying to avoid again. He wanted to get to the Cats and he couldn’t get there.

“The Cats offered them a deal and the Saints said no, and in fairness to the Saints, they were saying no throughout. They didn’t even want to entertain what Andrew Mackie and Geelong had to offer.

“He stayed and played this year, and he is the glue in this changeroom, Rowan Marshall. He is a much loved and respected member of this dressing room, but he still wants opportunity.

“Clearly, when Tom De Koning comes in, there is less opportunity for him to be the number one ruck.

“He has his exit meeting and there was no discussion of a trade yet, but that’s not to say that there won’t be.

“He is weighing up the Western Bulldogs and Geelong as an option for him moving forward.

“But they need to have trade capital to satisfy the Saints, and who are those two clubs also into? Zak Butters.

“I think what’s going to happen with Rowan Marshall is he will wait and see where Zak Butters wants to go, and he will nominate the other club.

“Let’s say hypothetically, Zak Butters nominates the Cats, that opens the door for the Dogs and Rowan Marshall, because they will have potential draft picks to spend. The opposite applies as well.

“That’s the watch on Rowan Marshall over the next few weeks, but I do believe that he is still very much looking at moving clubs at the end of the year, understanding that he is contracted so the Saints would have to agree to that as well.”

Beyond Marshall, another Saint could be on the verge of an exit.

“Liam Henry also had his exit meeting over the last 48 hours at St Kilda,” Morris said.

“Hasn’t been in the team all year at the Saints. I think he has played eight or so games this year after coming across from interstate a couple of years ago.

“He was told in that exit meeting that St Kilda is willing to listen to offers for him from other clubs.

“He is one to watch in the trade period as well. He has still got a year remaining on his contracted.

“Whether Liam Henry will look at that, I’m not sure, but he is now aware that the Saints are willing to trade him for the right deal. Ordinarily, those sorts of things get done.”

AFL Trade Period opens on Monday, October 5.