North Melbourne will not always confirm or deny trade rumours and the details relating to the club in this article have not been approved or ratified by it.
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St Kilda has moved on quickly from its shock decision to trade Ben McEvoy, with defender Sam Fisher now forming part of a proposed deal to land Greater Western Sydney defender Josh Bruce.
The Saints changed the immediate course of the Gillette AFL Trade Period on Thursday, boldly trading McEvoy to Hawthorn in exchange for Shane Savage and the Hawks' first pick in the NAB AFL Draft (currently No.17).
It is understood the club moved immediately to settle Fisher's future and land Bruce, who has requested a trade to the Saints.
It is expected the deal would need to involve a further exchange of picks or players.
In other developments on Thursday, Hawthorn midfielder Xavier Ellis is in Perth and set to undergo a medical test as Fremantle considers whether to pursue the unrestricted free agent.
Meanwhile, the Swans' Jesse White has relocated to Melbourne with a trade to Collingwood appearing inevitable.
Magpie Heath Shaw is not expected to make a decision on where he would prefer to play in 2014 until he returns from overseas early next week.
The main interested parties are Geelong, Greater Western Sydney and Essendon, with the Cats and Giants slightly better placed at this stage to get a deal done than the Bombers, who carry selection No.44 as their first pick.
However, the situation could change if the Bombers manage to trade their way higher into the draft, with David Myers remaining a possibility to be traded at the right price.
Shaw's decision is likely to determine how quickly a deal for Greater Western Sydney's Taylor Adams – who is happy to get to Collingwood or Geelong – gets done.
At Windy Hill, the Bombers have declared an interest in delisted Geelong champion Paul Chapman.
The shock McEvoy trade on Thursday had permutations for Brisbane Lions ruckman Billy Longer, who had appeared destined for Hawthorn.
The Hawks have suggested they remain interested in Longer, but the Lions are increasingly hopeful the 20-year-old will now stay at the club under new coach Justin Leppitsch.
The Saints' move to trade McEvoy leaves them vulnerable in the ruck, with 22-year-old Tom Hickey supported by Rhys Stanley and the untried Lewis Pierce.
The club would not comment on potential targets on Thursday, but the market could include Adelaide's Shaun McKernan, Geelong's Trent West and delisted Collingwood ruckman Darren Jolly.
The Saints deny they have set North Melbourne a deadline to reach an agreement for midfielder Nick Dal Santo, but they don't want negotiations to drag on.
With ambitions to land another pick inside the top 20, it would appear Dal Santo either needs to be traded for North Melbourne's second pick (currently No.26) or leave as a free agent, which would land the Saints a compensation pick, likely No.22.
The club is "looking at a few options" to find a third pick inside the top 20, but compensation for Dal Santo or the Kangaroos' No.26 selection would appear a logical starting point.
The club could then look to trade into the top 20 using a combination of that pick and players.
List manager Ameet Bains ruled out trading midfielder Leigh Montagna on Thursday, but the club remains keen to sign North Melbourne's Luke Delaney on a three-year deal.
The Saints are intent on keeping negotiations for Delaney separate to Dal Santo talks, but there is an expectation the deals will become linked.
It is understood Delaney has prepared himself for a long wait before his future is confirmed, with St Kilda prepared to take him through the Pre-Season Draft if required.
The Pre-Season Draft option could be raised by the Saints in an effort to force North Melbourne's hand.
The Brisbane Lions, Geelong and Carlton have all shown previous interest in Delaney, but they are yet to make further enquiries in response to the stalemate developing between St Kilda and the Kangaroos.
Delisted Gold Coast defender Maverick Weller appears likely to find a new home, with two Melbourne clubs showing strong interest in the 21-year-old.
Weller, who can move to any club as a delisted free agent, was one of the inaugural Suns, joining the club as a 17-year-old access selection in 2010.
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
