St Kilda have intensified their pursuit of out-of-favour Brisbane premiership player Sam Marshall, while GWS veteran Jake Stringer could be heading to a fourth club at season's end, according to 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary.
Saints Send Four Recruiters to Watch Marshall
Cleary revealed that four St Kilda recruiters were in Coburg on Saturday to watch Marshall in the Lions' VFL win over Collingwood. The 20-year-old midfielder amassed 30 possessions, five tackles, and three clearances, earning seven votes in the VFL Coaches' Player of the Year award. After playing 11 senior games last year, including all four finals, Marshall has managed just two senior games this season, and his two-year contract expires at the end of the year.
“He’s got a two-year contract at the Lions that expires this year. Won the flag last year for the Lions,” Cleary said on The Agenda Setters. “He’s only played the two games in season 2026. And we spoke about recruiters watching games. St Kilda had four watching him on the weekend at the VFL. So Simon Dalrymple, Gabby Allen, Stephen Silvagni and Billy Lambert, all part of the St Kilda recruiting panel, were watching him play in the VFL. I reckon they’re one of the clubs keen on him. If he doesn’t get back in at the Lions at the end of the year, watch him try and edge his way out.”
Marshall's Background and Potential Move
Marshall grew up in Queensland and was a member of the Lions academy, but he completed high school in Victoria and played Under-18s for Sandringham Dragons. His limited senior opportunities this season have fueled speculation of a return to Victoria.
Stringer's Hot Form Attracts Interest
Meanwhile, Jake Stringer remains a fascinating trade prospect as he continues his impressive form at the Giants. The 32-year-old kicked seven goals against Fremantle on the weekend and is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. Out of contract at season's end, Stringer qualifies as a free agent due to a previous delisting.
Channel 7 expert commentator Kate McCarthy identified Collingwood and Melbourne as potential landing spots. “If I’m looking specifically at team make-up and where I think he’d sort of fit or be able to offer would be Collingwood, which seems to be everyone is interested in going to Collingwood currently, but the other one’s Melbourne,” she said. “I think the Dees, someone like that in the forward half ... they’ve got the speedy small forwards, but have they got that sort of second, third key or player that can bring the ball to ground like Jake Stringer? I think that could be an option as well.”
Tom Morris added: “They haven’t offered him a deal yet either, as you just heard. He feels like a four-club player to me. Just add to the Jake Stringer story, the narrative continues.”
Brisbane Eyeing Bombers Defender
Elsewhere, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan and list boss Dom Ambrogio were interested onlookers at the St Kilda-Essendon match on the weekend. Cleary said the pair were there to watch Bombers defender Jordan Ridley, who met with Brisbane last year but ultimately stayed at Essendon. Ridley is contracted for three more years but appears likely to explore his options again at season's end.
“Not very often you see coach and list manager at the footy together. I dare say they were there watching Jordan Ridley again,” Cleary said. “Three years left on his contract. I think it’s going to be a much easier passage of him to get out this time around.”
