Marshall explains St Kilda awards absence after Geelong trade
Geelong gave up its first-round pick, currently No.14, for the ruckman and a 2028 third-round selection.
Rowan Marshall says he felt uncomfortable about attending St Kilda’s best-and-fairest ceremony and has yet to speak with former coach Ross Lyon following his move to Geelong.
The 30-year-old missed the Trevor Barker Award ceremony and said he had not expected the attention his absence attracted. He cited several reasons for feeling uncomfortable, including the prospect of interacting with many people.
Marshall maintained he had departed on good terms. He said he had spoken briefly with football boss Lenny Hayes and intended to contact Lyon.
The Cats exchanged their first-round selection, currently No.14, for Marshall and a third-round pick from St Kilda for 2028. An earlier attempt to move to Geelong ended without a deal, and Marshall returned to the Saints before seeking a trade again.
Marshall was on the golf course when his manager, Dave Trotter, notified him that the trade had been completed. He joins Toby Greene and Jordan Ridley as Geelong recruits after the Cats’ season finished with a 14-point defeat by Fremantle in a semi-final at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
