Why is Rowan Marshall trending today?
The trade deadline saw St Kilda agree to send ruckman Rowan Marshall to Geelong in exchange for pick 14 and a 2028 third‑round pick. Marshall had requested a move for the second consecutive off‑season, and the deal gives Geelong a proven ruck option while St Kilda receives a first‑round selection.
What happened
- 7 Oct, 06:30 UTC
St Kilda traded Rowan Marshall to Geelong for pick 14 and a 2028 third‑round pick, and Marshall signed a three‑year contract with the Cats [1][2]
What you need to know
Marshall played 177 games for St Kilda and is regarded as one of the league’s top ruckmen.
Geelong also added defender Jordan Ridley and forward Toby Greene during the same trade period.
St Kilda will use the acquired pick 14 and its existing pick 8 to rebuild its list.
Marshall’s departure leaves Tom De Koning as St Kilda’s primary ruck option.
How the Saints will replace Marshall’s on‑field impact beyond the draft picks, and whether the trade will improve Geelong’s ruck performance in 2027, remain unconfirmed.
Background
Rowan Marshall, a New Zealand‑born ruckman who debuted in 2017 after being selected in the 2016 rookie draft, spent a decade at St Kilda, averaging 17.5 disposals, 14.7 hit‑outs and five clearances in 2026 [2].
He requested a trade for two consecutive off‑seasons and escalated the situation by missing the Saints’ Trevor Barker Award ceremony before the deal was finalized [1].
Geelong’s executive Andrew Mackie described Marshall as a “talented player who brings a wealth of experience” and confirmed the club’s excitement about his arrival [2].
Questions people ask
Why did Marshall want to leave St Kilda?
He asked for a fresh environment for a second straight off‑season, prompting the trade request [1].
What did St Kilda receive in the trade?
Pick 14 in the 2026 draft and a 2028 third‑round pick, plus they retain pick 8 from a previous deal [1][2].
How might St Kilda’s list be affected?
The club must rely on Tom De Koning as the lead ruck and will use the new picks to rebuild, while scrutiny grows over recent recruitment decisions [3].
Where this came from
[1] afl.com.au
Marshall gets trade wish as Saints land top draft pick
Preview image from afl.com.au
[2] geelongcats.com.au
Trade Complete: Geelong Secures Star Ruckman from St Kilda
Preview image from geelongcats.com.au
[3] foxsports.com.au
One trade just made a $1.7m-a-year signing gamble even bigger. Fail and they’re a ‘footy cemetery’
Preview image from foxsports.com.au
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