The Saints’ Ben Long is in demand at other clubs after being best on ground in the final round.Credit:Getty
Long is yet to re-sign with the Saints,while Rioli,a premiership player in 2018,remains in discussions with the Eagles over a new contract.
Rioli is weighing up his future at the Eagles,aware other clubs including Port Adelaide are prepared to make significantly higher offers for his signature in what might be his final chance to gain a contract commensurate with his talent.
North list manager Brady Rawlings was at the Eagles from 2014 until 2019,while North’s senior executive James Gallagher dealt extensively with Rioli as a lawyer at the AFL Players Association when Rioli was suspended for two seasons for breaching the AFL’s doping code by tampering with a sample.
Hill has two years remaining on his deal with the Saints and although his performances have been inconsistent at St Kilda,the club says he remains a required player. Long played 19 games for the Saints in 2022 and was best on ground against Sydney in the final round of the season when he had a career high 27 touches.
North Melbourne players listen to new coach Alastair Clarkson at his first press conference at the club.Credit:Jason South
Clarkson has also met with No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis,who chose not to sign a contract beyond next season in his first year with the Kangaroos. The club is also waiting on a decision from the AFL about draft assistance which may give them extra list spots.
ClarksontoldThe Age last week he had an open mind ahead of the trade period, which will be completed before he officially begins at the club. “Anyone is going to be on the radar that will help us,” he said.