St.Kilda has confirmed their interest in Jake Carlisle.

Speaking to Channel 7 on the weekend, St Kilda’s head coach Alan Richardson indicated that they had met with the Essendon defender prior to him going on holiday.

“We rate him highly as a player and, depending on what it takes, we certainly want to continue that conversation,” Richardson said

“We still haven’t received the ultimate tick from Jake.

“It’s been spoken about that we are in that mix [of clubs] and we believe that to be the case.”

The 23-year-old declared his intention to seek a trade earlier this month and has since been linked to a number of other AFL clubs including the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Carlton.

Trade Whispers:

  • Out-of-contract Melbourne defender Jeremy Howe is yet to declare his post 2015 intentions. With Jake Melksham having been linked to the Demons, there has been speculation that the Bombers may make a move on Howe. Although there has been nothing official from the club, Howe could prove a handy asset given the loss of Jake Carlise.
  • Brisbane Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger has also been linked to Essendon in recent weeks. The restricted free agent is likely to seek a new home for 2016 and beyond. The Bombers are one of a number of Club’s in the race for the Lion, with Sydney and Fremantle both declaring their intentions. Leuenberger is expected to make a decision following the Finals.
  • Gold Coast’s Zac Smith spent some time in Melbourne last week as the ruckman searches for a new team. AFL.com.au reported that Smith toured the Bombers’ facilities as well as a number of other Victorian based Clubs. Geelong and Sydney are amongst the other Clubs who are interested in Smith.
  • Although yet to sign a new deal, out-of-contract Bomber Courtenay Dempsey is keen to stay at Essendon. Dempsey’s manager Shane Casley told the Herald Sun last week that the unrestricted free agent “…is a very loyal man” and was looking to see out his career at Essendon. It is believed that Dempsey and his management will wait until a new Coach is appointed before making a final decision.

Unrestricted Bombers:

Courtenay Dempsey, Brent Stanton and Tayte Pears remain the only unrestricted free agents yet to sign new contracts with the Club.