St Kilda free agent Jade Gresham faces an uncertain future after the Saints’ AFL season ended on the weekend.
The Saints fell short against the GWS Giants in Saturday’s elimination final with Gresham gathering 17 touches and laying seven tackles in the defeat.
The 26-year-old played all 23 games this season, kicking 21 goals and averaging a tick under 18 touches.
Analysis, local footy and the biggest moments, Seven and 7plus are the home of footy shows for every fan. Stream them all for free on 7plus >>
But despite a productive year, the classy midfielder has yet to be offered a new contract by the club.
As he qualifies as a restricted free agent, he can accept an offer from a rival club that will then give the Saints the option to match it and force a trade or let him walk and receive a compensation pick in return.
After leaving his exit meeting on Monday, Gresham said the club are keen for him to stay, but the fact he has no contract on the table is intriguing.
“Had some really good discussions with (coach) Ross (Lyon) before, and they’re really keen on me to stay,” he said.
“But, yeah, we’ll sort it next few weeks and sit down with manager and family and work it all out when the time is right.”
7NEWS Melbourne reporter Tom Browne shed more light on the issue.
“Had his exit interview with Ross and Jade said he hasn’t received a contract offer yet, but he expects they’ll make some type of overture offer in the next couple of weeks,” he said on Triple M.
“He is also canvassing other offers, I think he was pretty clear that he has got other offers and he is waiting to make a decision in the next couple of weeks.
“It sort of begs the question, he’s a good player … why hasn’t Ross re-signed him?
“My summation would be that they must be waiting to see if he is getting other offers
“Perhaps on the open market he wants a bit more money than perhaps St Kilda have indicated they will offer – that would be my summation of it.”
The Saints will be busy players in the upcoming trade period with Fremantle winger Liam Henry requesting a trade to the Saints, according to 7NEWS reporter Mitch Cleary.
“The relationship with Bradley Hill and coach Ross Lyon from their time at the Dockers crucial to this decision,” Cleary said during last Saturday’s AFL coverage.
“The Saints head into the September footy with Liam Henry having chosen them as his next home for 2024.”
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your .
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.