St Kilda Football Club has traded ruckman Rowan Marshall to Geelong, receiving pick 14 in exchange for Marshall and the Saints' 2028 third-round selection, with the deal finalised during the AFL Trade Period on Thursday, October 8.
St Kilda general manager of football Lenny Hayes said the club had prioritised fair compensation once Marshall made clear he wanted to leave. "While we respected Rowan's desire for a fresh environment, it was important the club received adequate compensation for someone who's played at a consistently high level over the course of the past decade," Hayes said.
Hayes said pick 14 would sit alongside St Kilda's existing first-round selection, pick 8. "We are pleased to have achieved this by bringing in another first round selection, alongside our existing pick 8," he said.
Marshall, 30, requested a trade to Geelong for the second successive year, having also sought the move in the previous trade period while contracted to St Kilda. In the lead-up to this year's deal being finalised, he boycotted the club's best and fairest award amid the standoff over his future.
Hayes acknowledged Marshall's contribution despite the circumstances of his departure. "Rowan has provided terrific service and been an admired figure within the St Kilda Football Club over the past decade," he said. "While we would have liked for Rowan to see out his career at the Saints, we wish him the best for this next chapter and thank him for the role he's played within our club, both on and off the field."
Marshall joined St Kilda as a mature-age selection via the 2016 AFL Rookie Draft and made his debut in round 18, 2017, against Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He went on to play 177 games in the club's red, white and black.
Born in Taranaki, New Zealand, on November 24, 1995, Marshall said he had tried to repay the opportunity St Kilda gave him. "I have loved my time at the Saints and always wanted to leave the club in a better place through my contributions on the field," he said.
Marshall thanked the club's supporters and the people he worked alongside during his decade at Moorabbin. "The club's passionate supporters have shown me so much love and support over the past decade, which always made me determined to make them proud," he said. "There are so many coaches, teammates and staff, both past and present, that have provided great support and friendship over the years."
"I leave with great memories and wish the club the best for the future," Marshall said.
The trade was confirmed in a statement issued by St Kilda's corporate communications team. St Kilda now holds picks 8 and 14 heading into the remainder of the AFL Trade Period.