Saints on track for Roughead role coup

ST KILDA is closing in on a deal to land Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead in a key off-field role for next season.

The Saints have circled Roughead since February and are prepared to offer the premiership great a long-term deal. Roughead, 32, recently toured the Saints’ Moorabbin facilities and met key officials in preparation for next year.

The Saints want Roughead to perform a multi-faceted role in the football department including coaching, welfare, leadership and list management duties.

While the Saints are officially remaining tightlipped about his commitment, officials are excited about the prospect of securing one of the most respected players in the competition.

Other clubs have also registered their interest but St Kilda has gone hard, believing Roughead can make a strong impact on a young playing group under a new coach as part of a fresh start in 2020.

Gold Coast has also targeted teammate Shaun Burgoyne, while Western Bulldogs’ beloved veteran Dale Morris is also weighing up his options for next season.

Roughead’s premiership experience and relationshipbuilding skills are being highly sought across the league and would be a massive boost for the Saints.

Roughead’s brilliant 282game career is coming to an end, with the respected Hawk still waiting to hear whether he will be given a farewell game against Gold Coast next weekend at Docklands.

There will be outcry from Hawthorn’s fan base if the four-time premiership goal kicker isn’t given a final sendoff game.