Liam Ryan to fix St Kilda's small forward problem in 2026

Kieran Francis

Liam Ryan to fix St Kilda's small forward problem in 2026 image

West Coast premiership forward Liam Ryan has requested a trade to St Kilda for the 2026 season.

The 28-year-old had told the Eagles he wanted a trade in his exit meeting last week, but has now nominated St Kilda as his preferred club, reports Callum Twomey.

Ryan is under contract until the end of next season so the Saints will need to strike a satisfactory trade with the Eagles to release the player.

It is likely West Coast are going to ask for a second-round pick for Ryan's services, while the St Kilda's starting negotiation point will be around the third round.

MORE: St Kilda's Leek Aleer stance revealed after Jack Silvagni coup

The 2020 All Australian forward pocket is the third player to nominate St Kilda, with Carlton duo Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni seeking moves to Moorabbin via free agency.

St Kilda's off-season appears to be busy with the club also linked with GWS defender Leek Aleer, Gold Coast prime move Sam Flanders and fringe Hawthorn midfielder Cameron McKenzie.

The probable addition of Ryan will fill a need for a second high-scoring small in the Saints forward line.

In 2025, St Kilda's small brigade was led by leading goalkicker Jack Higgins (46 goals), while Max Hall chipped in with 23 and Lance Collard kicked eight.

With Hall likely to move into the midfield more in 2026, the Saints need a foil for Higgins, with Ryan appearing to be almost the perfect option.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.