ST KILDA has welcomed the announcement that Bailey Rice has nominated the Saints under the father-son bidding system ahead of the upcoming National Draft.
Bailey’s father Dean played 116 games for St Kilda before crossing to Carlton where he played 118 matches - including the Blues 1995 premiership – meaning Rice junior could have nominated either club as his preferred destination.
“Bailey is a quality young man and we see his choice as yet another sign of the confidence people have in the direction of our club,” St Kilda List and Recruiting Manager Tony Elshaug told SAINTS.com.au.
“By coming to the club since the championships we’ve worked with Bailey and he’s got to know people such as Alan Richardson, his coaching staff and the playing group. We are very pleased.”
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Elshaug said Rice had been closely involved with the Saints for a couple of years now through the club’s father-son program.
He played his junior representative footy for Vic Country and the Dandenong Stingrays, predominantly as a strong-bodied defender, according to Elshaug.
“While Bailey has nominated St Kilda as his preferred club, all parties understand that the new bidding system does not allow for any guarantees about where he lands, given decisions are now made on the night at the National Draft .
“There is a bit of water to go under the bridge as Bailey knows. We’ve sat down with Dean and Bailey and discussed how the new system works.”
This news is the latest in a string of positive announcements for the club. Last month Collingwood’s Nathan Freeman indicated he wished to be traded to St Kilda, while Essendon’s Jake Carlisle followed suit last week.
The 2015 National Draft will be held in Adelaide on Tuesday November 24.
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Bailey Rice played at half-back for Vic Country.
