St Kilda has reportedly ended its pursuit of Greater Western Sydney defender Leek Aleer, despite being the player’s preferred destination.
AFL.com.au journalist Cal Twomey revealed on Thursday that the Saints have decided against progressing talks for the 24-year-old, who had requested a move to Moorabbin a month ago.
Aleer, out of contract at the Giants, was expected to seal a four-year deal with the Saints after meeting club officials in the wake of GWS’s elimination final loss to Hawthorn.
The decision now leaves the leaping defender’s future uncertain, with the Giants still open to retaining him on a two-year offer made earlier this year.
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The Saints’ withdrawal comes amid a flurry of activity in their trade window. They have already secured free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, along with Gold Coast’s Sam Flanders, while West Coast forward Liam Ryan has requested a move to the club.
GWS, meanwhile, will be hopeful of keeping Aleer, who played a career-best 13 games this season after being drafted in the first round in 2021. Twomey reports the Giants remain “keen to have Aleer stay with them for next season” following St Kilda’s change of stance.
CEO Carl Dilena also confirmed on Thursday that defender Callum Wilkie had signed a contract extension, turning down a lucrative offer from the Western Bulldogs, a move that may further explain the club’s cooling interest in Aleer.