On the AFL site. Could be of interest for those saying big defenders. Plus a mention of Post.
THERE ARE clubs that like to play their cards close to their chest when it comes to their recruiting priorities for the summer.
Then there are the Saints, who have already made their intentions quite clear about bringing at least one mature key defender to the club in 2013.
St Kilda has battled manfully and still remains in finals contention, with veterans like Jason Blake and James Gwilt, and youngsters such as Tom Simpkin plugging the holes. But the Saints have already identified that they need more muscle and some more experience down back and there are a few names floating around that their list managers and pro scouts have been watching closely.
James Hawksley (Brisbane Lions)
At 184cm, he might be too small for a key defensive post and his ball usage is only average at best by AFL standards. Has only cracked it for one game so far this year for the Lions, which would suggest he might not be the answer to what the Saints are seeking.
Jordan Lisle (Brisbane Lions)
The Lions traded a third-round pick to Hawthorn for Lisle, but he has yet to feature in 2012. Brisbane would be loath to let him walk after a season, but he showed a bit at both ends of the ground in five games for the Hawks in 2011, including a great shutdown job on Chris Dawes in a game at the MCG. There is no shortage of former Hawks now with the Saints in off-field roles and you would have to think his name has been discussed given he has the size and attributes to play as a key defender.
Bret Thornton (Carlton)
'T-Bird' has been a stalwart of the Carlton backline for the best part of a decade but with just five games to his name in 2012, he would no longer appear to be in Carlton's best 22. At 28, he could be a short-term addition to the Saints back half, while they develop some prospects and they'd get him for nothing.
Mitch Brown (West Coast)
Was one of the emerging stars of the competition a while back, but injury has derailed his progress to the stage where Darren Glass, Will Schofield and Eric Mackenzie are now ahead of him in the pecking order for key defensive roles with West Coast. Originally from Ballarat, a return to Victoria and the greater certainty of a regular senior berth might appeal.
Alex Silvagni (Fremantle)
Silvagni emerged as a Freo regular under Mark Harvey, but hasn't seen much senior footy since Ross Lyon took over and, ironically, brought Zac Dawson with him from the Saints. At 191cm and at 24 years of age, he could play six or seven seasons for the Saints back in his native Victoria.
Tom Murphy (Hawthorn)
At 189cm, Murphy is better suited to playing as a second or third defensive tall and has fallen behind Ryan Schoenmakers, Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton in the defensive depth chart at the Hawks. Is part of the leadership group at the club, such is the esteem with which he is held, but not part of the club's best 22. He becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and might be seeking more opportunity and a longer contract than the Hawks might be prepared to offer.
Stephen Gilham (Hawthorn)
The only premiership player on this list, Gilham would, on paper, be a perfect fit for the Saints. At 28, he has a few years of football left and he should be better next season, 12 months returned from a knee reconstruction. The Saints would need to make both Gilham and the Hawks an attractive offer, but he might figure to want to play more regular senior football elsewhere from 2013.
Cameron Pederson (North Melbourne)
At 193cm, he can play as a key defender. Was a revelation last year in his debut season for the Kangaroos, but has managed just two games in 2012, finding it tough to break into a settled defence.
Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide)
Perhaps the pick of the bunch. A 139-game full-back for Port but originally from Maryborough in country Victoria. Respected at Port, but the lure of returning to his home state to play for a finals contender would have some appeal. Richmond is also reportedly keen to bring him across from South Australia, but he would appear to be an ideal defender for the Saints to aggressively chase.
Jayden Post (Richmond)
Just 25 matches in five years at the Tigers would suggest that a change might be in the offing for the 195cm defender at the end of the year. The Saints would likely not need big dollars to tempt him, and he might prove a handy depth player.
