St Kilda Football Club has informed Tom Campbell, Riley Bonner, Matthew Allison and James Van Es they will not be offered contracts for the 2025 season.

Popular members of the Saints’ list in their own rights, Campbell, Bonner, Allison and Van Es all arrived at the club with unique stories.

In a career encompassing 13 seasons, 58 games and three clubs after first being selected by the Western Bulldogs as a rookie selection, journeyman Campbell has left a prominent mark at St Kilda since joining as a delisted free agent in 2021.

While Campbell’s on-field influence in the red, white and black has only been seen four times at senior level, his impact on his teammates and the club more broadly cannot be overstated. Winner of the 2023 Robert Harvey Best Clubman Award, Campbell’s work alongside his fellow ruckmen and other developing players has been immense.

Away from football, Campbell is a founder and driving force behind Footy for Climate.

Bonner arrived at St Kilda through last year’s pre-season draft after 93 games and eight seasons at Port Adelaide. The versatile defender made his debut for the club in Round 1 against Geelong, going on to play a total of 19 games as a Saint.

Allison joined St Kilda via the draft in 2020. After a top-age year riddled by COVID interruptions, Allison quickly made himself known as a resilient and positive personality around the club. While untimely injuries curtailed his opportunities at an AFL debut, Allison featured heavily at VFL level, earning a reputation as a supportive and caring teammate.

Ballarat product Van Es joined the Saints via pick no. 31 in the 2022 AFL Draft. Similarly cruelled by injury across his two years at the club, Van Es didn’t feature at senior level after being placed on the club's inactive list earlier this year.

“These decisions are always difficult, but it’s the tough reality of the business we’re in,” EGM Football David Misson said.

“Tom has been an incredible member of our playing group during his time here, having an invaluable impact on our emerging talent and ruck stocks.

“His generosity and kindness have made an indelible mark on those around him, and we know will stand him in great stead for this next stage with his young family.

“Riley came to us just over a year ago with a willingness to play his role and submit to the needs of the team and he did exactly that.

“He has been a very popular and reliable member of our playing group, and we thank him for jumping headfirst into life with the Saints.

“Matt had to deal with a number of setbacks during his time at the club, however he never let it impact his attitude. 

“His empathetic and genuine approach to supporting his teammates, paired with his yearning to grow and improve is a credit to his character.

“James’ time at the club has been unfortunately interrupted by injury, however his outlook has always been positive.

“We hope having had further surgery to his ankle earlier this year allows him a fresh start to this next chapter of his life.

“Tom, Riley, Matt and James all leave knowing they’ll forever be part of the Saints family and welcome at RSEA Park.”