Essendon will continue negotiations with St Kilda in the coming days after Jake Carlisle declared his intention to play with the Saints next season.

The 23 year old played 85 games with the Bombers and his talents were highly sought after by multiple clubs.

“We are disappointed to lose Jake but our attention now turns to securing the best deal for the Essendon Football Club,” Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro said. 

“He is the best key position player on the market.

“There aren’t many players across the competition that can take 19 marks one week and then kick eight goals the next.

"We got a first and second round pick for Patrick Ryder last year.

“St Kilda has pick five in the National Draft and we think that represents fair value for a player of Jake’s quality."