'This wasn't a difficult trade': Giants slam Saints' draft pick excuse after 'shattered' Leek Aleer's deal collapses

Giants defender Leek Aleer is "shattered" after his much-discussed move to the Saints dramatically fell through on Thursday, according to GWS football boss Jason McCartney.

St Kilda has since been labelled a "disgrace" after informing Aleer that it would no longer complete the trade to bring him to the club.

The sudden change of heart left the key defender "livid," especially since the club had promised him for two years that they would acquire him during this year's trade period.

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Despite being tipped to accept a lucrative four-year Saints deal over a smaller offer from the Giants, Aleer's move abruptly ended when St Kilda informed him that it lacked the draft picks required for the trade.

Reports emerged on Friday indicating the club's board refused to part with more draft assets, leading directly to the collapse of negotiations.

Speaking to AFL Trade Radio on Friday, McCartney firmly placed responsibility for the failed deal with the Saints.

"I'd just like to get on the record that this wasn't a difficult trade negotiation; that is just fact," he said.

"I am loath to make comment on what other clubs are doing.

"What I will say is Leek is shattered. He's incredibly disappointed. We spoke with him yesterday. He's in Barcelona. He loves our club; he was in tears at his exit interview.

"It was obviously a good offer from St Kilda. As hard as it was, it was a fair decision for him to make.

"He's incredibly disappointed. We've obviously had to go back and revisit our contract with him.

"Leek is more than welcome to be playing at the Giants next year, but he's in shock at the moment."

The off-contract Aleer now faces a race against time to secure a deal with another club or re-sign with the Giants, who confirmed they are happy for him to resume life at GWS after his post-season European holiday in Barcelona.

9News chief AFL reporter Tom Morris reported on Thursday that GWS has a "modest three-year deal on the table" for Aleer.

Separately, Aleer's agent Dylan Smith issued a searing statement to the network.

"This came as an absolute shock," he said.

"They've been wining and dining for him for two years. They loved where he was at and finally turned his head.

"They got him in, had the meetings and convinced him that the Saints were where he should be. It was a good fit. It was a career move and a four-year [contract] playing alongside Jack Silvagni and others.

"Today, they backflipped because they don't have the picks for him ... They couldn't get a future second-rounder for him.

"Leek is not happy and, to be honest, livid with the situation. Clubs have rung me and said, 'It's a disgrace, what have they done?' Nobody from the Saints has spoken to him."

Smith also labelled the development "disappointing," adding that the Saints should have been prepared to complete the trade after two years of planning.

Aleer formally requested a trade to St Kilda during his exit meeting with GWS, following the club's elimination final loss to Richmond.

The 24-year-old has played 25 senior games for the Giants since being drafted in 2021, including a career-high 13 matches this year.

The Saints have been on a significant signing spree this off-season, successfully luring Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni from Carlton, Sam Flanders from Gold Coast and Liam Ryan from West Coast.