List expert and former AFL coach Terry Wallace believes an exchange of picks between Gold Coast and St Kilda would leave Fremantle with adequate compensation to cover the loss of young gun Lachie Weller.

The 21-year-old shocked the Dockers by rebuffing a four-year contract extension before requesting a trade to the Suns, citing a desire to return home as the major motivating factor.

Recognised internally as the Dockers’ best young player, Fremantle has set an initial asking price of pick two for Weller.

Gold Coast is reluctant to part ways with its second selection for the midfielder, but Wallace told AFL Trade Radio a deal to secure the Saints’ pair of first-round picks – seven and eight – would be enough to benefit all three parties.

Under Wallace’s proposal, Gold Coast would exchange selections two and 21 for picks seven and eight.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

The Suns would then trade one of pick seven or eight for Weller, leaving Fremantle with two selections inside the top 10 of the 2017 draft.

The Saints are on record stating their willingness to part ways with their first-round picks, if it means moving up the draft order to secure a quality running midfielder.

Camera Icon Is Weller worth a top-10 pick? Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

“(Acquiring a higher selection) is absolutely paramount to them if they are to get that run-and-carry player that they want,” Wallace told AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday.

“That type of player won’t be available after pick five.

“That’s their absolute, complete need in this draft.”

“(Jade) Gresham was brought in at (pick) 18, so (selection 21 is) still not a bad pick from a St Kilda point of view,” Wallace said.

“They get exactly the player they want (with pick two) and they’re still back in the draft at a reasonably pointy end with their second pick.

“Gold Coast has got seven and eight. They choose to keep one of those selections so they can still get another quality player into their football club and they deliver the other pick – let’s call it pick seven – for Lachie Weller.”

Fremantle was initially steadfast in its position of holding the former pick 13 to his contract, but Weller encouraged the club to consider what he described as "a really good deal" from the Suns.