The Marshall-Saints ‘story’: Head in the sand? Or lying?

Did St Kilda have their head in the sand regarding Rowan Marshall?

Or have they been withholding the truth?

Tom Morris reported back in July that some players believed the Western Bulldogs would make a play for Marshall - the player who wanted to join Geelong last trade period.

Saints coach Ross Lyon rubbished it at the time, suggesting it was a created story, which Morris responded to.

On Tuesday, St Kilda released a statement saying: “Rowan Marshall has informed the club that he will seek a trade during the upcoming Trade Period”.

The situation prompted a discussion between Morris and Kane Cornes on SEN on Tuesday evening.

“I remember responding at the time on breakfast radio. Of course we’re creating content to talk about, but the content is real,” Morris said on Locked In.

“And it’s another example of a club trying to dismiss the reality.”

Cornes believes the Saints either didn’t know of Marshall’s intentions or have lied about it.

“It’s another example of a club with their head in the sand and not knowing their players well enough,” Cornes said.

“Or lying. It has to be one of those two.

“You’ve got no idea and no knowledge of your players’ intentions, or you’re lying.

“It can’t be in between.”

Morris added: “It’s one of those two.”

Morris explained why Marshall is looking at his options despite having a year left on his St Kilda contract.

“A big part of the reason Rowan Marshall wants out is because he was frustrated that they didn’t bring him along for the ride with the TDK acquisition,” he continued.

“Tom De Koning is on a million dollars more than Marshall and Marshall starts a lot of games on the bench.

“So he wants out. He’s got a year to run on his contract. He wanted out last year as well and couldn’t get out. I’d be surprised if it didn’t happen this year, but again, he’s contracted so the Saints hold all the cards.

“How many examples do we need of clubs bending the truth or not telling the truth during the season around stories that are reported in the media.”

Morris believes Marshall will get to Geelong this year, but cannot see a move involving Cats defender Sam De Koning which has been reported recently.

“I think the Sam De Koning to St Kilda stuff has cooled,” Morris said further.

“I’m not sure that’s as obvious as what it was. I think he wants to stay (at Geelong). He’s got a year remaining on his contract.”

The Bulldogs remain a possibility for Marshall if Tim English does happen to depart.

For the record, Lyon said the following about the Marshall ‘story’ in July.

“It’s probably disappointing that he starts playing really well, and then someone creates a story that they spoke to AFL players, and they think the Bulldogs might come for him. Like, which players? St Kilda players? Bulldogs players? Gold Coast players?”

“I understand you’ve got to fill content, but you’re actually creating your own story. Then, I get asked leading into the game about a story that’s been created by a journalist ... and I have to say: ‘Noted’, and that he’s contracted. It’s the current world we live in.

“People are creating content to fill all the slots. It’s just the way of the world though, isn’t it? Journos are speaking to players that the Western Bulldogs might try and trade for Rowan Marshall, who is contracted, and then that becomes the story.

“It’s fascinating, but if they can reconcile that with writing a story and filling their space, well then that’s the current world we live in.”