ST KILDA is reportedly considering a bold pick swap that could allow Gold Coast to recruit the top three South Australian prospects of this year’s draft, according to Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy.

As it stands, the Saints hold Pick 4 in the draft. But under new rules introduced by the AFL this year, that selection could change hands on draft night should the Saints agree to a live trade. Clubs have also had the ability to swap picks after the trade period, although this window ceases on Friday afternoon yet reopens on Thursday for the draft.

While no first-round selections have been exchanged since October’s exchange period, the Saints, according to Healy, are considering a pick swap with the Suns that looms as a win-win for both parties, despite the fact St Kilda’s first pick would move down.

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After a busy exchange period that saw several players, including co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May, leave the club, the Suns now hold five strong draft selections within the top 30: Picks 2, 3, 6, 24 and 29.

But Healy said the Suns could be prepared to send two picks (6 and 24) to St Kilda in exchange for the latter’s first selection (Pick 4). Under this scenario, Gold Coast would lose a second-round selection but then hold Picks 2, 3 and 4, which would open up the possibility of drafting SA’s best three prospects — Izak Rankine, Jack Lukosius and Connor Rozee — of this year’s draft class.

Connor Rozee could go anywhere between Picks 4 and 10. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

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The Saints would move down two spots in the draft order, but it’s understood their preferred midfielder is Bailey Smith, who they believe might still be available at Pick 6. The trade would also give the Saints a second pick in the second round, with their other selection currently Pick 36.

“Rumour reached my ear today that the Saints are considering trading Pick 4 to the Gold Coast for Pick 6 and 24,” Healy told Sportsday.

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“Rumour has it that they’re keen on Bailey Smith and somebody else. Therefore — they can get Bailey Smith with Pick 4 — but they think they can get him with Pick 6 too because we believe Port Adelaide (at Pick 5) is super keen on Max King.”

Draft watchers and list analysers believe King — an exciting 204cm forward prospect who supports the Saints and completed some rehab on his ACL at the club’s Moorabbin headquarters, which is a short five-minute car ride away from his home, this year — would be a perfect acquisition for St Kilda.

St Kilda is reportedly very interested in Vic Metro prospect Bailey Smith. Source: Getty Images

However many rival clubs believe Smith is the Saints’ preferred on-ball choice. They have also flagged their interest in Bendigo Pioneers midfielder Jye Caldwell, while Healy added there was a “school of thought” they might also be keen on Rozee at Pick 4.

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As explained by foxfooty.com.au this week, what happens at Pick 4 will have massive ramifications as to how the first round of the 2018 national draft will play out.

Geelong Falcons star Sam Walsh is expected to be taken by Carlton with Pick 1, while Lukosius and Rankine seem destined for Picks 2 and 3.

But Rozee, like many other first-round prospects, is tipped to go anywhere between Picks 4 and 10, meaning whoever holds Pick 4 will have a big call to make.