St Kilda signs delisted free agent Ryan Abbott to bolster its ruck department

Geelong delisted Ryan Abbott with the intention of re-drafting him later this month. However, St Kilda had other ideas, swooping on the big man before the Cats could strike.

Ryan Abbott has joined St Kilda. Picture: Michael Klein

St Kilda has bolstered its ruck division by signing former Geelong ruckman Ryan Abbott as an AFL delisted free agent – before the Cats had a chance to re-draft him themselves.

The Cats delisted Abbott last month but had promised to re-draft him as a rookie if he were still available.

But by delisting him, Geelong opened the door for another team to swoop on the 28-year-old before the AFL and rookie drafts, and St Kilda pounced on Friday.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Abbott, who played five games for Geelong, provides additional depth as a ruck-forward behind fellow recruit Paddy Ryder and ruck revelation Rowan Marshall.

“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,” Saints list manager James Gallagher said.

Ryan Abbott is off to St Kilda. Picture: Michael Klein

“Signing Ryan provides great cover and bolsters our overall list. “While he has had limited opportunities at Geelong, he 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.”

MORE AFL

AFL draft: Sandringham Dragons set for strong haul at national draft

Todd Goldstein reveals why he knocked back Geelong offer to stay at North Melbourne

Draft prospect Cody Weightman tours Whitten Oval

Abbott, a former basketballer, was drafted at pick 69 in the 2016 AFL draft and spent three years on Geelong’s list.

This year he managed just one AFL game but played 16 games for Geelong’s VFL side, averaging 28 hit-outs and 15 disposals.

Originally published as St Kilda signs delisted free agent Ryan Abbott to bolster its ruck department