Callum Wilkie will not be leaving St Kilda in the upcoming trade period after the club's aggressive list strategy helped retain the signature of the defender.
The 29-year-old has been a leading target for the Western Bulldogs in their pursuit to bolster their squad, with Wilkie discussing a potential move with Luke Beveridge.
Nine's chief AFL reporter Tom Morris understands that Wilkie's talks with Beveridge were not only over the phone but also in person, with other key officials also present.
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A lucrative four-year deal worth around $1.2 million per season was tabled by the Dogs in bid to secure Wilkie, but he has since turned it down.
Instead, a significant upgrade of his current remuneration convinced Wilkie to stay put with the Saints, courtesy of an influential play by club president Andrew Bassett.
The bold recruitment strategy unfolding at the Saints is bound to raise attention over the coming days, but Bassett is in full support of the club's approach.
"Recruiting as aggressively as we have no doubt involves a degree of risk, which many have pointed out," Bassett said at the club's best and fairest on Monday.
"This risk has been taken thoughtfully and not recklessly. There is no risk-free way to a flag. Indeed, doing nothing is the greatest risk of all."
St Kilda have recently added both Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni for next season, while gun defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has inked an extension.
Wilkie's commitment to the Saints keeps him in the frame to earn the title of club captain if current leader Jack Steele is to depart the club or step down from the role.
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Morris reported on AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday that it was unlikely Steele would leave the Saints, stating "I'd be surprised if he goes anywhere."
Wilkie's choice also means the Western Bulldogs will continue their hunt for a key defender, but that search will not look in the direction of Melbourne's Steven May.
Meanwhile, the Demons have confirmed that Christian Petracca has expressed his desire to play in different colours in 2026.
Essendon are set to table a mammoth agency bid for Zac Bailey, while out=of-contract Richmond defender Tylar Young continues to weigh up his options.
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