Thomas Lee Biography

Delisted St Kilda tall Tom Lee harbours ambitions to once again play in the AFL after returning to WAFL club Claremont for 2017.

"Part of me feels like I’ve still got a lot to give and I’d like to be able to give that on an AFL list. I still think I’ve got plenty left in me," Lee said.

"I’m not going to be constantly aiming for it but if I play well enough and I get a little bit of interest, that would be very much ideal."

Tom Lee is one of four players delisted by St Kilda.

Eli Templeton, Brodie Murdoch and Cameron Shenton have also been told they will not be offered contracts for 2017.

“We really appreciate the contribution that Cameron, Brodie, Tom and Eli have made to St Kilda Football Club as both people and players," Saints chief operation officer Ameet Bains said.

"Each of the boys should be proud of their ongoing effort and level of professionalism during their time with the club."

After his second season was destroyed by persistent shoulder problems, Tom Lee believes 2015 could be the year he silences his critics and makes a telling contribution to St Kilda's forward line.

"I've copped a fair bit of that last year, obviously coming in as a reasonably high pick, there's pressure there and the fans expect a lot," Lee said.

"I've definitely felt that pressure, not only externally but sometimes internally as well, but obviously I know what I've been through in terms of injury.

"I'm very excited about this year and hopefully that can show up in games and I can actually give a bit back to the club."

Tom Lee has been the focus of media reports after being substituted before half-time in his side's 96-point loss to Geelong due to poor form.

"Tom didn't quite get it done for us in the first half," St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said.

"That's footy, if you don't get it done, you're a chance to sit down.

"As much as possible, we want to get some minutes into him (Lee). But he has to live up to his end of the bargain. He knows where that sits."

After two shoulder reconstructions and a recent "mini pre-season", St Kilda coach Alan Richardson believes forward Tom Lee will play senior football in the coming weeks.

"He's working hard, his training program has almost reflected a mini pre-season in-season," Richardson said.

"In some ways, that's probably compromised game day, but we've needed to do that.

"I would expect that his form in the next few weeks would see him push for selection."

After kicking 12 goals in five games, Tom Lee credits his improved form to his mentor Justin Koschitzke whom he says will make a fine coach one day.

"He's a bloke who enjoys helping and mentoring young players and it's just been a good result that I'm in the same position," Lee said.

"He's played the game for so long and he knows the ins and outs.

"His wealth of knowledge is massive and if he wanted to take the path he would make a very good coach one day."

Thomas Lee makes his AFL debut for St Kilda at Manuka Oval with 9 disposals (4 kicks and 5 handballs), 3 marks, 2 tackles and a goal in a 72-point win over GWS.

St Kilda recruit Tom Lee says he is better prepared for the rigours of AFL football after a failed stint at the Crows.

"It was a matter of coming directly out of school and going straight into a professional environment," Lee said.

"It was just getting used to senior football and just the ways of life, having jobs and responsibility, which I wasn't used to with school."

Former Adelaide Crow Tom Lee could use a strong WAFL season as a springboard back into the AFL after kicking 59 goals for Claremont.

"I think he was a bit disappointed last year because he trained with Freo and a few clubs spoke to him about being rookied, but he missed out," Claremont coach Marc Webb said.

"After that he really focused on giving himself a good opportunity to play good footy and make sure that he did everything right. He's certainly done that, so hopefully that puts him in good stead for the grand final and for whatever happens beyond that.

"He won't take anything for granted. He's been on both sides of the draft and he knows that nothing is certain. He's the type of guy that applies himself really well."

Adelaide has delisted five senior players and one rookie in the lead-up to the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

Robert Shirley was let go after playing 151 games along with Nick Gill, Greg Gallman, Aaron Kite, Tom Lee as well rookie-listed James Moss.