<h2>Windhager Makes Contract Call to Stick With Saints Amid Rival Interest - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>-Marcus Windhager commits to St Kilda with four-year contract extension despite rival club interest</p> <p>-Saints midfielder turned down approaches from Melbourne, Essendon, and North Melbourne</p> <p>-Deal represents a major retention win for St Kilda alongside the recent recruiting spree this off-season</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>St Kilda midfielder Marcus Windhager has secured his future at Moorabbin, signing a four-year contract extension that keeps him at the Saints through to free agency.</p> <p>In another win for the Saints in their off-season retention and recruiting spree, the club was forced to up its offer from two years to four years to stave off rival interest in the homegrown midfielder.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Windhager Chooses Saints Despite Rival Interest</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 23-year-old midfielder has knocked back significant interest from Melbourne, Essendon, and North Melbourne to remain with St Kilda. Windhager's decision represents a major retention victory for the Saints, who initially offered a two-year deal before rival club interest pushed the contract out to four seasons.</p> <p>The South Australian has established himself as a consistent performer across four seasons at St Kilda, managing 75 AFL matches, including 23 appearances in 2025. His re-signing provides the Saints with midfield stability as they continue building their list for future premiership contention.</p> <p>AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey confirmed the deal on Thursday, with the contract structure taking Windhager through to unrestricted free agency. This strategic timing gives both player and club flexibility while securing his immediate future at the Saints.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Saints Building Impressive Recruitment Hand</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Windhager's commitment forms part of an impressive recruitment period for St Kilda. The Saints previously secured star midfielder Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera on a two-year extension just one month ago, with the pair maintaining a close friendship that likely influenced Windhager's decision to stay.</p> <p>The club has also secured commitments from several high-profile targets during the current trade period. Carlton free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni have both requested moves to St Kilda, adding defensive depth and forward flexibility, respectively.</p> <p>West Coast forward Liam Ryan has similarly requested a trade to the Saints, potentially providing the club with an experienced goal-scoring option. Greater Western Sydney defender Leek Aleer rounds out the incoming players on St Kilda’s recruiting spree.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strategic List Management Pays Dividends</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Saints' ability to retain Windhager while attracting quality external talent demonstrates effective list management during a competitive trade period. His initial two-year offer becoming a four-year deal reflects the club's willingness to match market rates for key personnel.</p> <p>Windhager's consistent availability has proven valuable for St Kilda, with his 23 games in 2025 representing strong durability in the AFL's demanding schedule. His midfield contributions complement the Saints' emerging core group, providing the foundation for sustained competitive performance.</p> <p>The midfielder's decision to reject approaches from three rival clubs suggests confidence in St Kilda's direction under current coaching and administrative leadership. Melbourne, Essendon, and North Melbourne all represent different competitive stages, making his Saints loyalty particularly significant.</p> <p>With free agency looming at his contract's conclusion, Windhager has positioned himself for future opportunities while committing his prime years to St Kilda's premiership aspirations. The deal structure benefits both parties, providing security while maintaining long-term flexibility.</p> <p>St Kilda's successful retention of Windhager alongside their impressive external recruitment suggests the club is building genuine premiership momentum. The combination of retained talent and strategic additions positions the Saints as potential movers in upcoming AFL seasons.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>For all the latest AFL Trade, Free Agency and Contract news this off-season, keep clicking back to <strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl">The Huddle</a></strong> to keep you across all the movement and where your club's picks for the</em><strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/news/2025-afl-draft-order">2025 AFL Draft</a> </strong><em>fall.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>