ST KILDA CEO Matt Finnis has confirmed star Adelaide defender Alex Keath has had a medical examination at the club.

Keath, who grew up in Victoria and played cricket for the state, had a breakout season with the Crows in 2019, playing 18 games in his fourth year on the list after being added as a Category B rookie.

The 27-year-old is out of contract this year.

"There's no hiding when the TV cameras are parked out the front and a player comes by to do a medical," Finnis said.

Deliveroo's Greg Ellis with Nick Riewoldt and St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis. Picture: AFL Photos





"I think all Saints fans would expect that as a footy club that wants to improve, we would put ourselves in as many conversations as we can.

"If there's players who are looking to change teams or come to Melbourne, then we're happy to have those conversations."

Finnis also said the club was closing in on appointing a senior coach, with the hope the new leader will be in place in time to speak at the club's Trevor Barker Award next Wednesday.

Caretaker coach Brett Ratten is hot favourite for the role, but others have also been interviewed.

"It's been a thorough process and it's reaching the closing stages. We've been really impressed with the candidates who we've met," Finnis said.

"We said from the outset that we'd be looking to have the process complete by the middle of September, so we can position ourselves well going into the Trade Period.

Brett Ratten enjoying a win with the players in round 18. Picture: AFL Photos





"Our best and fairest awards are next week, and it'd be terrific to have a new senior coach in place to be able to address our players and supporters at that function. We're on track to achieve that milestone.

"From the moment we appointed Brett as caretaker, he's had the opportunity to essentially apply for the job on an on-going basis and he's put a great foot forward.

"But ultimately, it's about running a process and looking at a whole range of candidates, and we've been really impressed with that."

Four-time club best and fairest Jack Steven has been heavily linked to Geelong, having grown up in nearby Lorne.

Steven had a tough season, taking an extended break for his mental health, but returning for the final three games of the year.

Jack Steven celebrates a goal in round 21. Picture: AFL Photos





"Jack, like all our players, is now on annual leave. Before he left, he had a really positive exit interview at the footy club. He's now taking some time away like his teammates," Finnis said.

"From our point of view, we just want to see a happy and healthy Jack. If we can have a happy and healthy Jack running around in the red, white and black, with a Deliveroo logo on the front next year, we'll be very pleased."

Finnis also announced Saints legend Nick Riewoldt will have an ambassador role next year, with the club aiming to break the 50,000-member mark for the first time.

Riewoldt spoke on Wednesday as the club announced Deliveroo would be a sponsor in 2020.

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