Speaking exclusively to afl.com.au at the club’s best and fairest on Saturday night, Dal Santo said he had no intention of moving elsewhere and hoped the club would show faith him after an inconsistent season.
“I definitely want to stay here. I’ve been overseas for the last week and a bit so I haven’t been reading the papers,” Dal Santo said.
“I’ve heard a couple of whispers but I definitely want to be a Saints player next season. We’ll address it if something happens but I’m a Saints man.”
The 24-year-old said he had held informal talks with coach Ross Lyon but would not reveal the extent of the discussions.
“I’ve spoken to him briefly. We haven’t had a sit down or anything like that. We’ve had a chat and I want to be a Saints player.”
The 2008 season was one of fluctuating form for Dal Santo, who finished third in the Brownlow medal just three years ago.
His season hit a low when he was dropped for the round 13 match against Fremantle.
But the midfielder was reinstated a week later and soon showed signs of returning to his best form.
“I definitely had a quiet patch for a little while. I thought my second half of the year was better. I wanted to contribute for the team and our second half of the year as a team was certainly a lot better which made it a lot easier for myself,” he said
The Saints were one of the best performed teams in the second half of the season and finished in fourth position, losing in the preliminary final to eventual premier Hawthorn.
Dal Santo said the season could be seen as a success but the side had to improve enough to get past the preliminary final stage.
“I guess in some ways (it was successful), particularly where we came from. At the end of the day we’ve been there three times in the last four or five years. It’s a little bit disappointing. We need to win a premiership and that’s what we’re here for.”
