ST KILDA has met with Greater Western Sydney star Dylan Shiel as it looks to land the contracted Giant.
GWS has given its blessing for Shiel, who is signed up until the end of 2019, to meet with clubs in his native Victoria.
Saints football manager Simon Lethlean confirmed his club's interest when speaking to NAB AFL Trade Radio on Thursday.
"We think he's an elite, seriously good midfielder who can make our club better. It's been reported we met with Dylan. We did," Lethlean said.
"He's a really impressive professional who we think would make a significant impact.
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"We think we did a good job presenting the club in its best light and asking him how he can make the club better and what we can do for him and (partner) Georgie as St Kilda people for the rest of their lives.
"I think he's having a good think about that but he's obviously got other clubs doing equally as good presentations as ours."
AFL.com.au reported on Tuesday Hawthorn was leading a three-way race for the 25-year-old ahead of Carlton and St Kilda.
Shiel played his junior football near the club's Moorabbin base at Edithvale-Aspendale while his partner's parents live in Brighton.
That's not the only lure St Kilda can offer Shiel.
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"We've got as good a TPP (Total Player Payments) position as any club in the competition, so we can pay him a good rate to get him down," Lethlean said.
St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt was involved in the club's presentation.
"For a legend of the club who wants to help the club get better, to be available to put his view across about the club and what it might mean to win a second premiership at the St Kilda Football Club was, I think, very important," Lethlean said.
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Four-time best and fairest Jack Steven is "zero" chance to leave, while there is no movement expected for fellow midfielder Luke Dunstan at the moment.
"He's (Dunstan) not going anywhere at this stage but his management would know more than me about whether they're having a look around," Lethlean said.
Meanwhile, Lethlean was confident injury-prone forward Paddy McCartin is ready to thrive to 2019 despite the No.1 draft pick from 2014 not playing after round 16 following a Lisfranc ligament sprain in his left foot.
"He looks the best you've ever seen, Paddy," Lethlean said.
"He spent the back half of the year getting really fit. He's got his health, I think, the best he's ever had it at on a management front, and I think you'll see a different Paddy McCartin on the first day of pre-season training this year. We're excited by that.
"It takes a bit longer for tall forwards to reach their potential. I feel like there could be a breakout year coming for Paddy."
