St Kilda has secured the services of former Geelong ruckman Ryan Abbott.
The 28-year-old was signed as a delisted free agent earlier today, becoming the sixth player to arrive at RSEA Park during an action-packed off-season.
Abbott played five games for the Cats across three seasons after converting from basketball at the age of 21.
The 200cm mature-age recruit is strong at ground-level and in the air, and can operate deep in attack as a tall marking option.
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St Kilda list manager James Gallagher said Abbott would provide depth to the Saints’ ruck stocks and help support Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder.
“With Rowan and Paddy we believe the ruck position will be a real strength in 2020, but it is an area we have been looking to add depth to,” he said.
“Signing Ryan provides great cover and bolsters our overall list.
“While he has had limited opportunities at Geelong, he's shown that he is more than capable at AFL level both in the ruck and as a marking option up forward.”
“He is a strong character and we are really looking forward to Ryan joining the club immediately.”
Abbott played 16 games for Geelong’s VFL side in 2019, averaging 28 hit-outs and 15 disposals per game.
The pick No. 69 from the 2016 AFL Draft will join his new teammates on Monday.
The Saints have three spots remaining on their list ahead of this year's National Draft.
