THE MAKEOVER of St Kilda's playing list has continued with young Brisbane Lions ruckman Billy Longer requesting a trade to the club.

 

After eight games in two years with the Lions, the 20-year-old ruckman wants a return to Victoria and after an initial dalliance with Hawthorn, which ended when the Hawks instead traded with the Saints for Ben McEvoy, he has decided to join the rebuilding program at Seaford.

 

It is good news for the Saints, who despite suggestions of ructions within their football department, have already secured Hawthorn midfielder Shane Savage during the Gillette AFL Trade Period and attracted a talent such as Longer, the No.8 selection in the national draft just two seasons ago.

 

"He wanted to come home, and why wouldn't he want to join the Saints?" his manager Paul Connors told AFL.com.au.

 

"He will get the opportunity to compete for a No.1 ruck berth."

 

The Saints currently hold four picks in the top 25 and the likely exchange for Longer would be one of pick 24 or 25.

 

Connors would not appear finished with sending tall timber to the Saints, with dual Sydney Swans and Collingwood premiership ruckman Darren Jolly rated a good chance to become a St Kilda player, most likely on a one-year deal to be the experienced back-up to Longer and Tom Hickey.

 

Essendon had shown some interest in Longer, but Connors denied reports that the Bombers had offered him a contract.