Knobel has walked out of the Saints and their other mobile ruckman might follow Blake. Looks like the Saints are going to implode once again.
According to The Age we've shown interest in Knobel:
Ruck blow for Saints as Knobel walks
By Stephen Rielly
October 28, 2004
Knobel told the Saints late last week that he considered their offer a poor reflection upon his contribution this year, in which he played 24 games, and he severed his ties with the club.
His agent, Dan Richardson of ESP, said last night that Knobel would nominate for the pre-season draft unless he was delisted by the Saints tomorrow, a move that would allow him to nominate for the earlier national draft.
The Saints attempted to trade for Troy Simmonds to strengthen their ruck division but the former Melbourne and Fremantle follower finished up at Richmond, which is understood to have already expressed an interest in Knobel.With Barry Brooks yet to prove himself at AFL level and the talented Justin Koschitzke questionable as a frontline ruckman because of persistent injury, Knobel's departure will be doubly felt if Blake, a smaller mobile follower, cannot agree to terms.
It is understood that Blake is unhappy with the club's offer. His manager, Paul Connors, returns to Melbourne next week.
Knobel's search for a third football home means that there will be at least two, and possibly more, experienced big men in the draft pool, with recently delisted Collingwood ruckman Steve McKee seeking another opportunity and Brisbane Lion Clark Keating yet to come to terms with the club.
The Tigers are in the market for a ruckman as are Hawthorn and Carlton and all three clubs have early picks in the pre-season draft. They could be joined in the hunt by the Saints if Blake walks out with Knobel.
http://realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/10/27/1098667835461.html