St Kilda have turned to former Collingwood tall Jonathon Marsh as they look to boost their decimated key defensive stocks on the eve of the AFL season.
Marsh played 15 AFL games in three seasons with the Magpies before moving home to Western Australia at the end of 2016.
With Jake Carlisle out for most of the season following back surgery and doubts over the future of Dylan Robertson following another heart scare, the Saints were able to offer Marsh a lifeline via new AFL recruiting rules.
The decision to sign the 23-year-old came after the club opted to place draftee Jack Bytel on the long-term injury list as he also recovers from back surgery.
"We're really excited to add Jonathon to our playing list," St Kilda fooball boss Simon Lethlean said.
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"Following two seasons with East Fremantle in the WAFL, Jonathon moved back to Melbourne with his partner late last year with the express purpose of reigniting his AFL career.
"He has been training with Richmond's VFL team throughout the pre-season and looked impressive as part of the Tigers' senior intra-club game a few weeks ago."
Marsh could be in line for a shock AFL return in round one with fellow key defender Nathan Brown suspended.
