Overview: The Shock Backflip
In a move that stunned players, agents, and fans alike, St Kilda abruptly pulled out of its pursuit of Giants defender Leek Aleer. The backflip came after weeks of intense talks and a looming trade deadline, leaving Aleer and his camp in a state of limbo. The shock decision has raised more questions than answers as clubs scramble to adjust their lists with six days remaining in the trade period.
The Saints had been courting Aleer for years, shaping a narrative that he would form a crucial piece of their defensive stocks alongside players like Jack Silvagni. Yet by Thursday, those discussions appeared to falter, and the deal collapsed. Aleer’s manager described the backflip as an “absolute shock,” noting that discussions had intensified and that the Saints were ready to push a four-year deal forward. The sudden reversal has left the Giants in a difficult position and Aleer’s immediate future unresolved.
What Fueled the Backflip?
Several factors appear to have converged to derail the Aleer negotiations. A primary sticking point was the Saints’ list management constraints, including a lack of future second-round draft picks that could sweeten the package for a player like Aleer. While St Kilda publicly signaled an intent to keep pushing, the practical constraints of salary cap management and the need to clear space likely influenced the abrupt change.
There’s also speculation that the Saints might pivot to alternative targets as a means of preserving their long-term strategy. Names such as Jordan De Goey and Sam De Koning have surfaced in rumour mills as potential alternatives if the Aleer deal fell through. The club’s recent acquisitions and contract upgrades, including Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s extension and Wilkie’s new deal, underscore a broader push to retool quickly while staying within budget.
Impact on Leek Aleer and the Giants
For Aleer, the immediate effect is uncertainty. He faces a tight deadline window to secure a new AFL home, and the backflip has understandably left him frustrated. His camp’s public frustration underscores the personal cost of club decisions in a period known for its volatility. The Giants, meanwhile, must weigh the value of parting with a young defender against the need to reshuffle their own list and salary structure.
The broader trade market reacts in real time. With six days left, other clubs may see this as a window to pounce on Aleer or similar targets at potentially reduced prices. It’s also plausible that the Saints may re-enter the market later if circumstances change, or they may commit to a different defensive solution without using premium draft assets.
Possible New Homes for Aleer
All eyes turn to potential suitors beyond the Giants. The Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, and North Melbourne are commonly discussed as destinations for a mobile, athletic 195cm defender who can impact aerial contests. Carlton and Sydney could also be considered contenders, depending on how each club values Aleer’s fit within existing structures and salary ceilings.
Complicating matters is the current momentum of rivals like Geelong, who appear focused on other targets. If the Saints are indeed redirecting funds toward longer-term deals for other players, Aleer may find himself scoping new teams with limited time to negotiate. Ultimately, Aleer’s next destination will hinge on how aggressively clubs are willing to push cap space, list spots, and draft capital in the final days of the window.
What This Means for the Saints’ Strategy
The Saints’ decision signals a broader strategic reset. After a notable off-season spending spree and several high-profile extensions, St Kilda may be prioritizing a different balance of talent and salary commitments. While a shock exit of Aleer reduces immediate defensive depth, it could unlock flexibility to pursue other targets or to reaffirm commitments to existing players on longer-term deals.
In any case, the Aleer saga adds another twist to what has been a dynamic trade period for AFL clubs. The question remains: did St Kilda’s backflip reveal a calculated pivot or a missed opportunity? As teams recalibrate in the final stretch, Aleer’s fate remains a pivotal subplot of the 2025 NAB AFL trade season.
