St Kilda has emerged as a potential destination for veteran Greater Western Sydney (GWS) defender Lachie Whitfield ahead of this year’s AFL trade period. Discussions between the two clubs took place during last week’s preliminary meetings in Melbourne, where 15 AFL clubs gathered for informal talks on possible trades.
Whitfield, 32, remains under contract with the Giants for the 2025 season. While GWS is open to retaining the experienced defender, the club is exploring options that would enhance their draft position, leaving Whitfield’s future uncertain. Another defender, Harry Himmelberg, has also been mentioned as a possible trade candidate.
The evolving situation at GWS is closely tied to the decision of captain Toby Greene, who is considering a move to Geelong, where his close friend Jeremy Cameron plays. Greene’s choice will likely influence the Giants’ trade strategy and the potential departures of other key players. GWS has already confirmed the departures of forwards Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer as part of a broader team reshaping.
Whitfield, a two-time All-Australian and the number one pick in the 2012 AFL national draft, signed a seven-year contract extension in 2019 and has played 278 games for the Giants. His precise ball use and defensive skills have attracted interest from St Kilda, a club that has faced challenges in its defensive unit this season, particularly after the loss of Jack Sinclair to a serious calf injury midway through the year.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has been willing to recruit seasoned players to bolster his squad after the Saints failed to reach the finals for the third consecutive year despite adding several notable free agents. Whitfield’s ties to the club’s recruitment zone around Mt Martha, where his family resides, and his recent milestone of becoming a father have also been noted in discussions.
The 2024 AFL trade period officially opens on October 5. Meanwhile, GWS continues to seek a reliable secondary ruckman to support Nick Madden next season. Potential targets include Sydney’s Peter Ladhams and Fremantle’s Sean Darcy, although both the Swans and Dockers have expressed intentions to retain their ruck stocks.
GWS recently allowed young ruckman Kieren Briggs to join Richmond on a four-year deal after offering him only a modest contract extension. The Giants also explored options with Rowan Marshall and Tim English but expect Marshall to move to Geelong and English to remain with the Western Bulldogs.
The Giants have yet to offer a contract extension to key forward Jake Riccardi following an injury-riddled season, including ankle surgery. Riccardi has attracted interest from clubs such as Essendon, particularly as GWS prioritizes younger forwards Aaron Cadman and Gruzewski, along with Riley Hamilton and first-round pick Ollie Hannaford.
GWS has extended a three-year contract offer to Greene and remains hopeful he will stay, despite the prolonged decision-making process. However, the club has withdrawn contract offers to Hogan and chosen not to renew Stringer’s contract as it shifts focus toward integrating emerging talent into its forward line.