‘Couldn’t be happier’: Blues former first-round pick finds new home

St Kilda has thrown Liam Stocker an AFL lifeline, signing the former Blue via the pre-season supplemental selection period.

The 22-year old has been training with the Saints over the pre-season after being delisted by Carlton after four seasons and 28 games in the navy blue in an axing that surprised the football world.

Stocker was drafted by the Blues with Pick 19 in 2018 after the club sensationally acquired the selection from Adelaide in the first live trade during a draft in a deal that also saw the teams swap future first rounders.

Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Round 1

Stocker training at Carlton (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS

A Saints fan growing up, Stocker was thrilled to get a second chance at Moorabbin.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign on as a Saint,” Stocker said.

“The last few months have reaffirmed to me how much I want this and I really believe I can contribute at AFL level. I’m very thankful to my coaches and those around me for giving me this chance.

“As a lifelong Saints fan, I’m looking forward to seeing what the club’s 150th year will hold and I’m stoked to be a part of it.”

St Kilda has an additional spot on its list to fill and has also been trialling Essendon key position prospect Josh Eyre ahead of the February 15 deadline for clubs to sign players via the SSP.

Stocker became the sixth player to find a new home via the SSP, joining Tyler Brown (Adelaide), Liam Shiels (North Melbourne), Conor McKenna (Brisbane), Oskar Baker (Western Bulldogs) and Jed Anderson (Gold Coast).