St Kilda have secured an AFL trade for North Melbourne tall defender Luke Delaney.

The Saints exchanged draft pick No.77 for the 24-year-old, who played five senior games this season.

Delaney made his senior debut two years ago and has played 26 matches.

The struggling Saints badly need more tall defensive options.

“As a developing key defender, we are confident that he can provide valuable support to our defensive group in 2014 – particularly on the opposition’s key forwards,” St Kilda football manager Chris Pelchen said.

Earlier this month, the Saints lost veteran midfielder Nick Dal Santo to the Kangaroos under free agency.