St Kilda has thrown down the challenge to Rowan Marshall's suitor Geelong indicating they would only consider a 'world's best ever trade deal'.
The 29-year-old requested a trade to the Cats last Friday - only hours after it was confirmed Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning would be joining the Saints via free agency.
However, with Marshall having two years left on his contract, the Saints hold the whip hand, with club chief executive Carl Dilena stating coach Ross Lyon had a 'strong preference' to retain the player.
Dilena indicated that St Kilda might release Marshall down the highway if a Cats offer was too good to refuse, otherwise the ruckman would be staying at Moorabbin next season.
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"Our preference is to keep Rowan," Dilena said on AFL Trade Radio.
"It was never our call, he's asked for (a trade) and out of respect for him, we've had a bit of dialogue with Geelong.
"If I had to bet on it, I'm not sure it would happen.
"Ross as coach, his strong preference is to have him at the club. He loves him as a player (and) he knows the role he would be able to play next year. That'd be our position there.
"This is my personal opinion ... you never say never to anything. If there was the world's best ever trade deal offered, you'd have to consider it. You have to do what's right for the club.
"But from a senior coach perspective, Ross has a clear preference. We'll weigh everything up when we get towards the end of the period and see what's in the best interests of the club, but at this stage it's Rowan staying with us."