Patrick Naish and Jarrod Lienert have begun training at St Kilda as they vie for a list spot for 2022.
Naish and Lienert, who were delisted by Richmond and Port Adelaide respectively at the end of last season, have been invited to train at the Saints following Nick Coffield’s season-ending knee injury.
Naish, an ex-Tigers father-son, played nine games across four seasons at Punt Road, while Lienert managed 23 games over five seasons at the Power.
St Kilda assistant coach Corey Enright outlined how the club is looking to fill their two vacant list spots.
“Both of those players have only been here a couple of days and they’ll have some opportunities to put their case forward and train really strongly,” Enright told SEN Breakfast.
“We have a couple of spots available on the list and more so the landscape with COVID and what may happen with players, we’re not sure.
“Those guys have played at the level, they understand what it takes to be an AFL player, so I guess for us it’s trying to earmark someone that can come in and play their role if required.
“They’ve obviously highlighted these two players that have not long been out of the AFL system and are really keen to continue their journey and careers.
“Both of those players have only been here a couple of days, but they’ve voiced their opinions already, so it’s nice to see.”
Woodville-West Torrens star Jack Hayes has also been training with St Kilda since mid-December and is reportedly closing in on one of the club’s two available list spots.
Saints coach Brett Ratten says a final decision on the train-on trio will be made closer to the pre-season supplemental selection period deadline.
“We’ve got a little bit of time,” Ratten told SEN Mornings.
“The three boys all bring different skill sets and some things that we need as a team.
“The decision will be made closer to that deadline.
“Jarrod and Pat just came in for one session and they played really well, and Jack’s performed pretty solidly throughout this period.”
AFL clubs have until March 9 to fill vacant list spots before the 2022 season gets underway on March 16.
