St Kilda are set to sign GWS defender Leek Aleer in the upcoming AFL trade period.
The Saints have struggled to fill key defensive posts in 2025, aside from their ever-present All Australian star Callum Wilkie.
But now the Saints are set to acquire the 23-year-old defender, with the Giants $400,000-a-season offer across two seasons being trumped by St Kilda's $750,000 four-year deal.
"Put the glasses down, Leek Aleer is done to St Kilda," journalist Jon Ralph told Fox Footy.
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"Even though he loves GWS, he’s happy to move for opportunity."
Former St Kilda icon Leigh Montagna added: "St Kilda clearly need a key defender… I certainly think it’s a good get for St Kilda."
The Saints have been forced to use usual forward Anthony Caminiti as full back for most of the season, with injuries to Dougal Howard and Zaine Cordy keeping both on the sidelines for the majority of the year.
Top 10 draft Alix Tauru has played the last six games, mainly as a defender, but there is a likelihood that he will be developed as a forward with his athletic capabilities.
The most pressing issue for St Kilda is securing the signature of their superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who is also being chased by clubs from his home state of South Australia in Port Adelaide and Adelaide.
St Kilda are next in action on Sunday against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium in their final home game of the season.