Nick Dal Santo is expected to become a Kangaroo. Source: News Limited
NORTH Melbourne is prepared to package pick No. 26 and key defender Luke Delaney to St Kilda for veteran midfielder Nick Dal Santo.
The Roos have insisted the offer is fair for a player who will be 30 by the start of next season.
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The other option open to the Saints is to void Dal Santo’s contract for next season and release the three-time All-Australian under free agency rules to gain a slightly higher draft selection.
The Saints would be almost certain to receive pick No.22 as free agency compensation for Dal Santo.
That compensation selection would follow the Saints’ first pick in the second round, currently No. 21.
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But that option means the Saints would have to do a separate deal for Delaney, potentially risking losing the backman to other interested clubs led by Brisbane and Carlton.
The Roos are adamant their second-round selection - pick No.26 - plus a 24-year-old key backman in Delaney, is a well-balanced deal for Dal Santo.
Saints coach Scott Watters said a deal was not yet completed.
"Nick Dal Santo is a quality player and a quality person, it’s the whole package, and we’ve been very upfront with Nick,’’ Watters said.
"There has been an expression of interest, Nick was made of aware of that, and at this stage there has been nothing that has been put on the table that would see Nick leave this footy club.’’
If the deal with the Kangaroos did not eventuate, Watters said he could foresee Dal Santo finishing his career with the Saints.
"Nick Dal Santo could be a two to three-year creative half-back/midfielder and bring enormous value to our footy club,’’ Watters said.
"If he is here for another two or three years, we’ve got a quality player still at this club.’’
Watters also envisaged Leigh Montagna playing for at least another two years and confirmed that skipper Nick Riewoldt would stay and would receive a contract extension to the end of the 2015 season.
"Absolutely they will be staying, categorically,’’ Watters said, admitting he had long discussions with both.
"Both those players, rightfully so at the latter part of their career, needed some direction where the list and club was going.
"Nick Riewoldt will be a one-club player."
Dal Santo has met with the Roos’ leadership group and has told North figures he would be happy to join North Melbourne to help win it a premiership.
The Saints are desperate to rejuvenate the list with more quality young talent but are putting a high premium on Dal Santo due to the crucial role they have slated for him next season.
But the Kangaroos remain confident Dal Santo wants to cross to Arden St to help the club win a premiership over the next three years.
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