North Melbourne have emerged as a possible destination for GWS defender Leek Aleer, who remains undecided on a new three-year deal with the Giants after St Kilda’s shock withdrawal from trade talks.
The 24-year-old’s future was thrown into uncertainty when the Saints abruptly backed out of a proposed four-year, $3 million contract, a decision that left Aleer “absolutely shattered”, according to GWS football boss Jason McCartney.
His manager, Dylan Smith, has since opened discussions with the Kangaroos as the player takes time away in Europe to process the fallout.
Roos assessing defensive options
North Melbourne list boss Brady Rawlings confirmed his club had spoken with Smith and was “still doing the work on it” as they weigh up a possible move for the key defender. The Roos had previously indicated they weren’t in the market for tall backs despite finishing with one of the league’s leakiest defences.
Aleer’s management were left frustrated by St Kilda’s U-turn, with Smith revealing other list bosses had privately called the decision a “disgrace”. One source suggested the Saints were warned by their own board about overusing future picks, leading to the sudden reversal.
The Giants remain open to keeping Aleer, offering him a three-year deal worth around $400,000, a significant drop from the Saints’ original bid. With the trade deadline approaching, Aleer will now assess whether North Melbourne’s interest turns into a formal offer before committing his future.