North still back Xerri

NORTH Melbourne talent boss Brady Rawlings says the club’s relationship with ruckman Tristan Xerri is not “broken” despite his failed bid to become a Saint.

Xerri’s trade request came in the knowledge ex-tiger ruckman-forward Callum Coleman-jones was incoming and his opportunities may be even more limited next season.

But St Kilda was unwilling to part with a future secondround selection in any potential deal. “I understood he felt he could get more opportunity at another club – he certainly wasn’t looking to leave because of any ill feeling towards the club or his teammates,” Rawlings said.