Ross Lyon shares statement regarding future of Rowan Marshall as rival clubs circle
With the Saints primed to land Carlton free agent Tom De Koning on a blockbuster deal worth up to $12m across seven years, Marshall is set to be relegated to second fiddle.
Marshall, 29, is contracted until the end of 2027 at Saints, but 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary says opposition clubs are of the belief that he would be open to exploring a move if De Koning arrives as expected.
'There are rival clubs tonight that believe if Tom De Koning arrives at Moorabbin, which looks increasingly likely as the season wears on, that Rowan Marshall will be open to exploring a trade away from the Saints,' he said on The Agenda Setters.
'Now, the Saints will hold the whip hand here. He turns 30 later this year. He has two years left on a lucrative contract at more than $800,000 a season.
'But clubs see Rowan Marshall as in play when it comes to the ruck merry-go-round at the end of the year.'
Cleary reports St Kilda are confident the two-ruck situation can work, but The Agenda Setters panellists immediately had their doubts.
Melbourne tried it with Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn, and it failed spectacularly, while the jury is out on Fremantle's ruck pairing of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.
In a statement to The Agenda Setters, St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said: 'I will not be brought into the pantomime around Rowan Marshall.'
Lyon holds a close relationship with Marshall, but it remains to be seen whether the ruckman will be happy to share the load alongside De Koning.
'Ross feels he's got an extremely close relationship with Rowan Marshall. It's even grown in the last 12 months. They regularly catch up away from the footy club and talk things outside of footy,' Cleary continued.
'Marshall's been playing sore in the last couple of weeks with a back concern.
'The Saints are adamant that these two ruck situations are going to be working and Rowan Marshall will be brought along for the ride.
'I think there's a bit of in-limbo from Rowan Marshall's side of things.'
Collingwood and Carlton great Dale Thomas wondered how the split between the pair would work.
'He's not a forward, though. So the sell is going to be, what, 50-50 ruck? Or, because as you said, De Koning doesn't really play forward, and Marshall's kicked six goals this year as a ruckman sometimes in that forward line. I don't think that works with the mix they have either,' Thomas said.
Cleary explained the reasons why St Kilda think the combination can work.
'The Saints point to their low contested mark numbers this year and they feel that they're being let down for an option down the line,' he continued.
'They feel that one of them to be playing forward will be a key option. They also point to how well Marshall played with (Paddy) Ryder as a sidekick early in his career.
'But I think this one is well and truly in play.'
Marshall and De Koning aren't the only two rucks potentially on the move this year with Essendon free agent Sam Draper also weighing up his future.
Adelaide and Brisbane are both keen on Draper and should he land at the Crows then Reilly O'Brien, who is also a free agent, could be on the move.
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
The 'humble freak' St Kilda love and want to keep
St Kilda want Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to stay "forever" but Saints teammate Hunter Clark says there will be no hard feelings if the matchwinning star returns to South Australia. Wanganeen-Milera wrote himself into St Kilda folklore at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Saints to the biggest three-quarter-time comeback - 46 points - in VFL/AFL history. The silky 22-year-old kicked the final two goals in just 14 seconds of game time as St Kilda pinched a remarkable six-point victory over Melbourne. Wanganeen-Milera's soaring mark over Demons forward Bayley Fritsch to set up the game-equalling goal even prompted an emotional reaction of disbelief from usually solemn Saints coach Ross Lyon. Clark, who also produced some important moments late against Melbourne, was in awe at what Wanganeen-Milera achieved. "He's obviously got a really big decision, and he'll do what's best for himself, and there'll be no hard feelings either way," Clark told AAP. "Obviously we'd love him to stay forever; he's going to be, if he's not already, up there for one of the best players in the competition. "He's only 22 so I think his future is going to be so bright and he deserves everything that comes his way." Wanganeen-Milera remains unsigned for next season as he contemplates massive offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to play back in his home state. He was drafted with pick 11 out of Glenelg in 2021, playing 82 games for the Saints. St Kilda have also thrown a big contract in front of him as arguably the key player in the club's rebuild and bid for an elusive second premiership. Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play against the Demons due to a stye in his eye. The club doctor called Lyon early on Sunday morning to let him know his best player was in doubt, but Wanganeen-Milera reassured his coach he would be fine. "He's an absolute freak," Clark said of his teammate's skill. "But he's such a good man. "The way he plays, almost you'd expect him to just be this real out there character, like he probably has every right to just strut around. "But he's the most humble bloke you'll come across. "He's an absolute freak of a talent, but he works as hard as anyone. It's not all just what you see on the field. "He's absolute star, and I think he's made for those moments." After just their second win since the start of May, St Kilda can take confidence out of their Marvel miracle into 2026. "If we can just finish the year strong, just keep getting experience into everyone and keep growing," Clark said. "Then just get to work over the summer. "It's not just going to happen in a day. "I see a lot of the teams over the last few years, it can take five or six years until you have gone through s**t, until you get there." St Kilda want Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to stay "forever" but Saints teammate Hunter Clark says there will be no hard feelings if the matchwinning star returns to South Australia. Wanganeen-Milera wrote himself into St Kilda folklore at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Saints to the biggest three-quarter-time comeback - 46 points - in VFL/AFL history. The silky 22-year-old kicked the final two goals in just 14 seconds of game time as St Kilda pinched a remarkable six-point victory over Melbourne. Wanganeen-Milera's soaring mark over Demons forward Bayley Fritsch to set up the game-equalling goal even prompted an emotional reaction of disbelief from usually solemn Saints coach Ross Lyon. Clark, who also produced some important moments late against Melbourne, was in awe at what Wanganeen-Milera achieved. "He's obviously got a really big decision, and he'll do what's best for himself, and there'll be no hard feelings either way," Clark told AAP. "Obviously we'd love him to stay forever; he's going to be, if he's not already, up there for one of the best players in the competition. "He's only 22 so I think his future is going to be so bright and he deserves everything that comes his way." Wanganeen-Milera remains unsigned for next season as he contemplates massive offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to play back in his home state. He was drafted with pick 11 out of Glenelg in 2021, playing 82 games for the Saints. St Kilda have also thrown a big contract in front of him as arguably the key player in the club's rebuild and bid for an elusive second premiership. Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play against the Demons due to a stye in his eye. The club doctor called Lyon early on Sunday morning to let him know his best player was in doubt, but Wanganeen-Milera reassured his coach he would be fine. "He's an absolute freak," Clark said of his teammate's skill. "But he's such a good man. "The way he plays, almost you'd expect him to just be this real out there character, like he probably has every right to just strut around. "But he's the most humble bloke you'll come across. "He's an absolute freak of a talent, but he works as hard as anyone. It's not all just what you see on the field. "He's absolute star, and I think he's made for those moments." After just their second win since the start of May, St Kilda can take confidence out of their Marvel miracle into 2026. "If we can just finish the year strong, just keep getting experience into everyone and keep growing," Clark said. "Then just get to work over the summer. "It's not just going to happen in a day. "I see a lot of the teams over the last few years, it can take five or six years until you have gone through s**t, until you get there." St Kilda want Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to stay "forever" but Saints teammate Hunter Clark says there will be no hard feelings if the matchwinning star returns to South Australia. Wanganeen-Milera wrote himself into St Kilda folklore at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Saints to the biggest three-quarter-time comeback - 46 points - in VFL/AFL history. The silky 22-year-old kicked the final two goals in just 14 seconds of game time as St Kilda pinched a remarkable six-point victory over Melbourne. Wanganeen-Milera's soaring mark over Demons forward Bayley Fritsch to set up the game-equalling goal even prompted an emotional reaction of disbelief from usually solemn Saints coach Ross Lyon. Clark, who also produced some important moments late against Melbourne, was in awe at what Wanganeen-Milera achieved. "He's obviously got a really big decision, and he'll do what's best for himself, and there'll be no hard feelings either way," Clark told AAP. "Obviously we'd love him to stay forever; he's going to be, if he's not already, up there for one of the best players in the competition. "He's only 22 so I think his future is going to be so bright and he deserves everything that comes his way." Wanganeen-Milera remains unsigned for next season as he contemplates massive offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to play back in his home state. He was drafted with pick 11 out of Glenelg in 2021, playing 82 games for the Saints. St Kilda have also thrown a big contract in front of him as arguably the key player in the club's rebuild and bid for an elusive second premiership. Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play against the Demons due to a stye in his eye. The club doctor called Lyon early on Sunday morning to let him know his best player was in doubt, but Wanganeen-Milera reassured his coach he would be fine. "He's an absolute freak," Clark said of his teammate's skill. "But he's such a good man. "The way he plays, almost you'd expect him to just be this real out there character, like he probably has every right to just strut around. "But he's the most humble bloke you'll come across. "He's an absolute freak of a talent, but he works as hard as anyone. It's not all just what you see on the field. "He's absolute star, and I think he's made for those moments." After just their second win since the start of May, St Kilda can take confidence out of their Marvel miracle into 2026. "If we can just finish the year strong, just keep getting experience into everyone and keep growing," Clark said. "Then just get to work over the summer. "It's not just going to happen in a day. "I see a lot of the teams over the last few years, it can take five or six years until you have gone through s**t, until you get there."
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Saints storm home in crazy finish against Demons
St Kilda have pulled off the greatest three-quarter-time comeback in VFL/AFL history, storming home from 46 points down to stun Melbourne in a crazy finish at Marvel Stadium. Off-contract star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was the hero, slotting two goals in a frantic climax to pinch a miracle six-point victory. The Saints slotted nine unanswered goals in the final term to win 15.6 (96) to 13.12 (90). It pips the previous the best last quarter revival, when the Brisbane Bears came from 45 points down at the final break to beat Hawthorn in 1995. Wanganeen-Milera calmly slotted his third goal after flying for a soaring mark with less than 20 seconds remaining. That levelled the scores, before a 6-6-6 penalty in the middle was paid against the Demons, to the confusion of all players. Saints ruck Rowan Marshall was able to perfectly pick out Wanganeen-Milera running inside 50 to take a mark just before the siren sounded. Any score would have given the Saints victory, but Wanganeen-Milera went back and kicked the goal, to a raucous reaction from the crowd. "Underneath the exterior, I can get emotional," St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said, who was in disbelief watching in the box. "A little bit watery when Nas took that mark. "I think it's just that emotion, just for the players, just for them. "Our young players never gave up, and our leaders never gave up, and they found a way." Lyon also revealed Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play due to a stye in his eye. "I had a sleep-in this morning. Got up, make my coffee. I see four missed calls from the doctor," Lyon said. "Experience tells me this can't be good. "He said 'Nas has come in' and they upped his antibiotics, given him an injection. "I rang him (Wanganeen-Milera), he goes, 'No, I'll be right'. "I just said, 'If you're not right, no pressure, we'll tap you out'. "He just let us know so it was a good story." St Kilda are desperate to keep Wanganeen-Milera as he entertains large offers from both South Australian clubs. This performance, one of the best individual efforts of the season, will only lift his value even further. Melbourne forward Bayley Fritsch broke the game open with three first-quarter goals, giving his side a 25-point buffer. The Demons, inspired by tackling machine Jack Viney (16 tackles) extended their lead during every quarter to cruise into the last break seemingly destined for a seventh-straight win. Instead, their capitulation ended a six-game losing run for the Saints, with their last victory also against Melbourne in June when they pipped the inaccurate Demons in Alice Springs. Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was left gobsmacked at losing from such a position of dominance. "Devastating loss, clearly," he said. "We didn't defend and pressure as well as we were early in the game. "Then basically late in the game, we didn't handle the pressure, we didn't handle the moment, and we didn't handle the tight game scenarios like we should have, and that's on all of us. "We'll own that together." St Kilda youngster Lance Collard injured his foot in the first quarter, tried to play on, but was subbed out in the second term for Hugh Boxshall and ended the match on crutches. Melbourne defender Jake Bowey could be in some trouble with the match review officer after a potential dangerous tackle on St Kilda forward Jack Higgins just before halftime. St Kilda have pulled off the greatest three-quarter-time comeback in VFL/AFL history, storming home from 46 points down to stun Melbourne in a crazy finish at Marvel Stadium. Off-contract star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was the hero, slotting two goals in a frantic climax to pinch a miracle six-point victory. The Saints slotted nine unanswered goals in the final term to win 15.6 (96) to 13.12 (90). It pips the previous the best last quarter revival, when the Brisbane Bears came from 45 points down at the final break to beat Hawthorn in 1995. Wanganeen-Milera calmly slotted his third goal after flying for a soaring mark with less than 20 seconds remaining. That levelled the scores, before a 6-6-6 penalty in the middle was paid against the Demons, to the confusion of all players. Saints ruck Rowan Marshall was able to perfectly pick out Wanganeen-Milera running inside 50 to take a mark just before the siren sounded. Any score would have given the Saints victory, but Wanganeen-Milera went back and kicked the goal, to a raucous reaction from the crowd. "Underneath the exterior, I can get emotional," St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said, who was in disbelief watching in the box. "A little bit watery when Nas took that mark. "I think it's just that emotion, just for the players, just for them. "Our young players never gave up, and our leaders never gave up, and they found a way." Lyon also revealed Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play due to a stye in his eye. "I had a sleep-in this morning. Got up, make my coffee. I see four missed calls from the doctor," Lyon said. "Experience tells me this can't be good. "He said 'Nas has come in' and they upped his antibiotics, given him an injection. "I rang him (Wanganeen-Milera), he goes, 'No, I'll be right'. "I just said, 'If you're not right, no pressure, we'll tap you out'. "He just let us know so it was a good story." St Kilda are desperate to keep Wanganeen-Milera as he entertains large offers from both South Australian clubs. This performance, one of the best individual efforts of the season, will only lift his value even further. Melbourne forward Bayley Fritsch broke the game open with three first-quarter goals, giving his side a 25-point buffer. The Demons, inspired by tackling machine Jack Viney (16 tackles) extended their lead during every quarter to cruise into the last break seemingly destined for a seventh-straight win. Instead, their capitulation ended a six-game losing run for the Saints, with their last victory also against Melbourne in June when they pipped the inaccurate Demons in Alice Springs. Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was left gobsmacked at losing from such a position of dominance. "Devastating loss, clearly," he said. "We didn't defend and pressure as well as we were early in the game. "Then basically late in the game, we didn't handle the pressure, we didn't handle the moment, and we didn't handle the tight game scenarios like we should have, and that's on all of us. "We'll own that together." St Kilda youngster Lance Collard injured his foot in the first quarter, tried to play on, but was subbed out in the second term for Hugh Boxshall and ended the match on crutches. Melbourne defender Jake Bowey could be in some trouble with the match review officer after a potential dangerous tackle on St Kilda forward Jack Higgins just before halftime. St Kilda have pulled off the greatest three-quarter-time comeback in VFL/AFL history, storming home from 46 points down to stun Melbourne in a crazy finish at Marvel Stadium. Off-contract star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was the hero, slotting two goals in a frantic climax to pinch a miracle six-point victory. The Saints slotted nine unanswered goals in the final term to win 15.6 (96) to 13.12 (90). It pips the previous the best last quarter revival, when the Brisbane Bears came from 45 points down at the final break to beat Hawthorn in 1995. Wanganeen-Milera calmly slotted his third goal after flying for a soaring mark with less than 20 seconds remaining. That levelled the scores, before a 6-6-6 penalty in the middle was paid against the Demons, to the confusion of all players. Saints ruck Rowan Marshall was able to perfectly pick out Wanganeen-Milera running inside 50 to take a mark just before the siren sounded. Any score would have given the Saints victory, but Wanganeen-Milera went back and kicked the goal, to a raucous reaction from the crowd. "Underneath the exterior, I can get emotional," St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said, who was in disbelief watching in the box. "A little bit watery when Nas took that mark. "I think it's just that emotion, just for the players, just for them. "Our young players never gave up, and our leaders never gave up, and they found a way." Lyon also revealed Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play due to a stye in his eye. "I had a sleep-in this morning. Got up, make my coffee. I see four missed calls from the doctor," Lyon said. "Experience tells me this can't be good. "He said 'Nas has come in' and they upped his antibiotics, given him an injection. "I rang him (Wanganeen-Milera), he goes, 'No, I'll be right'. "I just said, 'If you're not right, no pressure, we'll tap you out'. "He just let us know so it was a good story." St Kilda are desperate to keep Wanganeen-Milera as he entertains large offers from both South Australian clubs. This performance, one of the best individual efforts of the season, will only lift his value even further. Melbourne forward Bayley Fritsch broke the game open with three first-quarter goals, giving his side a 25-point buffer. The Demons, inspired by tackling machine Jack Viney (16 tackles) extended their lead during every quarter to cruise into the last break seemingly destined for a seventh-straight win. Instead, their capitulation ended a six-game losing run for the Saints, with their last victory also against Melbourne in June when they pipped the inaccurate Demons in Alice Springs. Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was left gobsmacked at losing from such a position of dominance. "Devastating loss, clearly," he said. "We didn't defend and pressure as well as we were early in the game. "Then basically late in the game, we didn't handle the pressure, we didn't handle the moment, and we didn't handle the tight game scenarios like we should have, and that's on all of us. "We'll own that together." St Kilda youngster Lance Collard injured his foot in the first quarter, tried to play on, but was subbed out in the second term for Hugh Boxshall and ended the match on crutches. Melbourne defender Jake Bowey could be in some trouble with the match review officer after a potential dangerous tackle on St Kilda forward Jack Higgins just before halftime.
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
The 'humble freak' St Kilda love and want to keep
St Kilda want Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to stay "forever" but Saints teammate Hunter Clark says there will be no hard feelings if the matchwinning star returns to South Australia. Wanganeen-Milera wrote himself into St Kilda folklore at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Saints to the biggest three-quarter-time comeback - 46 points - in VFL/AFL history. The silky 22-year-old kicked the final two goals in just 14 seconds of game time as St Kilda pinched a remarkable six-point victory over Melbourne. Wanganeen-Milera's soaring mark over Demons forward Bayley Fritsch to set up the game-equalling goal even prompted an emotional reaction of disbelief from usually solemn Saints coach Ross Lyon. Clark, who also produced some important moments late against Melbourne, was in awe at what Wanganeen-Milera achieved. "He's obviously got a really big decision, and he'll do what's best for himself, and there'll be no hard feelings either way," Clark told AAP. "Obviously we'd love him to stay forever; he's going to be, if he's not already, up there for one of the best players in the competition. "He's only 22 so I think his future is going to be so bright and he deserves everything that comes his way." Wanganeen-Milera remains unsigned for next season as he contemplates massive offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to play back in his home state. He was drafted with pick 11 out of Glenelg in 2021, playing 82 games for the Saints. St Kilda have also thrown a big contract in front of him as arguably the key player in the club's rebuild and bid for an elusive second premiership. Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play against the Demons due to a stye in his eye. The club doctor called Lyon early on Sunday morning to let him know his best player was in doubt, but Wanganeen-Milera reassured his coach he would be fine. "He's an absolute freak," Clark said of his teammate's skill. "But he's such a good man. "The way he plays, almost you'd expect him to just be this real out there character, like he probably has every right to just strut around. "But he's the most humble bloke you'll come across. "He's an absolute freak of a talent, but he works as hard as anyone. It's not all just what you see on the field. "He's absolute star, and I think he's made for those moments." After just their second win since the start of May, St Kilda can take confidence out of their Marvel miracle into 2026. "If we can just finish the year strong, just keep getting experience into everyone and keep growing," Clark said. "Then just get to work over the summer. "It's not just going to happen in a day. "I see a lot of the teams over the last few years, it can take five or six years until you have gone through s**t, until you get there."
