AFL club Essendon has recruited discarded St Kilda defender James Gwilt.

The Bombers confirmed on Saturday they would sign Gwilt, who played 126 games with the Saints including the two grand finals in 2010, as a delisted free agent.

The 28-year-old, who was drafted in 2004, was told by St Kilda coach Alan Richardson at the end of the season that he wouldn’t be offered a new contract.

Gwilt was linked to Melbourne, but it was Essendon coach James Hird who threw him an AFL lifeline.

“We have put an offer to James which he has accepted and we will now formally lodge the paperwork with the AFL,” Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro said on the Dons’ website.

“James has great flexibility, having showcased his ability to play on both small and tall forwards during his time at St Kilda.

“He has proven experience in big games.

“We believe he can add some real depth and experience to our list. He is still playing some very good football and we are confident he has a lot to offer.”

The Bombers are yet to announce if Dustin Fletcher will be back for a 23rd season.

Fletcher needs to play seven games to become the third man in VFL/AFL history to break the 400-match mark.

The future of Saints veteran Adam Schneider will be decided after the trade period ends on Thursday.