Overview: A shocking turn of events
The AFL world woke up to a blockbuster twist as St Kilda abruptly pulled out of a trade pursuit for Greater Western Giants defender Leek Aleer. After months of “hard fishing” and a chorus of whispers, the Saints reversed course, leaving Aleer and his management stunned. The backflip, described by Aleer’s camp as an “absolute shock,” has roped in the attention of fans, pundits, and rival clubs alike as the trade clock continues to wind down.
What happened and why it matters
Just days into the trade period, St Kilda had signaled serious intent to add Aleer to their defensive stocks, with meetings and assurances that the 24-year-old would slot into a competitive backline alongside players like Jack Silvagni and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. Then, in a swift turn, the Saints faced a reality check: they lacked the draft capital to satisfy the Giants, and negotiations stalled. By Thursday, the deal was off, leaving Aleer with a difficult path to find a new AFL home before the looming deadline.
Managerial tone and fan reactions
Aleer’s agent, Dylan Smith, stressed the emotional toll of the flip-flop. “Leek is not happy and to be honest, livid with the situation,” Smith told Channel 9. Rival clubs and some analysts have described the Saints’ decision as a controversial move, sparking questions about whether the club’s spending spree and salary considerations affected their willingness to meet the Giants’ asking price.
<h2 Possible motives behind the Saints’ decision
Several theories have circulated in the wake of the backflip. One is a strategic pivot toward other targets, possibly influenced by the club’s new financial landscape. The Saints have already secured a series of players—Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders, and Liam Ryan—and upgraded contracts, which may have strained salary room. Another popular theory suggests the club is weighing cheaper or long-term options, potentially shifting toward players like Jordan De Goey or Sam De Koning if price and fit align.
<h2 The money question and list management
Salary pressure cannot be ignored. The Saints’ off-season spending, combined with recent extensions for core players, could have created pressure to offload players or avoid overextending the salary cap. With a 2026 second-round pick and a couple of mid-draft selections in hand, St Kilda may be recalibrating its list strategy to ensure more flexible future options.
<h2 What’s next for Aleer and the trade clock
With Aleer suddenly in limbo, time is of the essence. The Giants, who had been open to moving Aleer, also have to balance their own roster moves and salary considerations. Other clubs, including the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, and North Melbourne, could emerge as candidates depending on the evolving market and the players’ fit. The broader question is whether any deal can emerge that satisfies both Aleer’s career ambitions and a club’s list-building plans before the deadline.
<h2 Looking ahead: an unsettled finish to the trade period
As the trade period wears on, the Aleer saga is a reminder of how swiftly negotiations can derail. The Saints’ decision to pull back from Aleer does not necessarily close the door on a later, perhaps cheaper, collaboration—but for now, the defender faces a precarious week as he searches for a new AFL home. The coming days will reveal whether St Kilda’s strategic shift pays off or simply reshapes, not resolves, the backline equation for 2025 and beyond.
