Leek Aleer’s trade request starts a high-stakes tug-of-war in the AFL
MELBOURNE, 9 October 2025: The AFL trade scene was shaken up when Leek Aleer’s expected move to the St Kilda Saints fell through at the last minute, even though there had been weeks of momentum and a four-year offer on the table. After the Giants lost in the elimination final on September 8, the 24-year-old GWS Giants defender asked to be traded to Moorabbin. He wanted security and a chance to play after a breakout 2025 season.
Aleer played in 13 games this season, which is more than he did in the previous three years combined. His aerial marking, closing speed, and intercept craft made him a top target for St Kilda after they first approached him in 2024.
What St. Kilda Liked About Leek Aleer
The Saints put together an aggressive list built with the help of coach Ross Lyon and Head of Talent & Acquisition Graeme Allan. Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni came in as free agents, and Sam Flanders was traded for pick 7. Aleer was seen as the last strong point on defence. Reports say that a multi-year offer from the Saints beat out a two-year extension from GWS earlier this year. The South Sudanese-born defender was drawn in by the promise of a clear role and long-term job security.
Originally Published on Auburn Times
The Schedule for the AFL Trade Period—and the Twist
The AFL Free Agency window (October 3–10, 2025) turned into the AFL Trade Period (October 6–15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. AEDT close). The first talks between the teams were about a future second-round pick. The Giants were willing to give up a late pick to even things out. But on October 8, the Saints suddenly sent their future second-round pick to West Coast to finish a deal for Liam Ryan. In return, they got a third-round pick in 2027, which meant they were no longer going after Aleer.
Cal Twomey, an AFL reporter, said that St Kilda was “out of the running.” Aleer, who was on vacation in Europe, reportedly found out about the backflip after it happened. Agent Liam Pickering called it a “backflip” and asked if the buyer might regret their decision. One person said, “Leek Aleer has been treated very unfairly,” making the change seem like a human story as well as a list-management decision.
Leek Aleer is the most talked-about defender as rival clubs circle around him
Within hours, recruiters from other companies opened files again. The Western Bulldogs, who have been looking for a key interceptor for a long time, were immediately linked to him. Collingwood and Carlton were also mentioned as possible backline depth. Geelong and Fremantle showed interest if the terms were right, and North Melbourne kept an eye on things. For GWS, the Saints’ retreat was a chance to gain an advantage: Aleer was “welcome back,” and talks about a new two-year extension to 2027 picked up speed once he got back from Europe.
Inside St. Kilda’s Aggressive Strategy—and the List Dominoes
The Saints’ spree got a lot of attention from all over the league. CEO Carl Dilena confirmed that Callum Wilkie’s contract would be extended, turning down a strong offer from the Western Bulldogs. People at the club also said that the cap had been front-loaded to meet the AFL’s 95% minimum spend. In the midst of all the noise and excitement surrounding ruck star Rowan Marshall’s meeting with Geelong, which was set against the arrival of De Koning, St Kilda made it clear that they would “do what’s best” for the club.
In other news, GWS had to deal with turnover: Jacob Wehr used free agency to go back to Port Adelaide, Jayden Laverde signed on after the draft, and Wade Derksen rejoined Melbourne. How the Giants balanced those moves with Aleer’s status became a defining subplot of their off-season.
Deadline Day – Leek Aleer is Still a Giant—For Now
Leek Aleer was still a GWS Giant when the window closed on October 15. St. Kilda made four big trades: De Koning, Silvagni, Flanders, and Ryan. They left without the defender they had been trying to get for two trade periods. GWS became more sure in late October that Aleer would stay with them. Even though things were crazy, industry leaders praised his professionalism during a rough two weeks.
What the Leek Aleer Backflip Tells Us About the Current AFL Market
This story was a small version of the 2025 trade period, with quick changes, cap moves, and people getting hurt. For St Kilda, it showed off a new, bold attitude: ambitious, unapologetic, and ready to act like a destination club. For GWS, it was a win for keeping players, with effects on their defence structure from 2026 to 2027. And for Aleer, it made him more well-known as an athletic aerial interceptor whose worth is now recognised by many contenders.
One columnist said that the Saints’ approach is “ambition that’s overdue,” which means it’s risky but could pay off big. Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell, who is also a Saints fan, said, “It’s nice to get on other teams’ nerves.”
2026 – Leek Aleer in Demand, Market Lessons Learned
Expect rival clubs to keep the Leek Aleer file hot until 2026, especially those with gaps in contested marking behind the ball. The Saints’ four-player haul may pay off quickly, but the Aleer near-miss will always be a lesson in timing, communication, and asset sequencing. One thing is for sure: in the modern AFL trade economy, even a “done deal” can change overnight.
Get More Updates at: Australian Magazine
