Midfielder Luke Ball will be the biggest name in this month's AFL national draft after walking out on St Kilda.

The Saints have confirmed that the 25-year-old will not re-sign.

Ball has until 2pm (AEDT) on Tuesday to nominate for the November 26 national draft, or he could decide to wait and take his chances in December's pre-season draft.

He made his senior debut in 2003 and played 142 games for the Saints, captaining them in 2006-07 and winning All-Australian selection in 2005.

Ball was also the joint winner of the club's best-and-fairest award in 2005.

He wanted a trade to Collingwood last month, but the Saints and Magpies could not work out a deal.

Melbourne have since shown a strong interest in trying to sign Ball, while there is speculation Essendon might also be interested.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon met with Ball, but could not convince him to stay.

"Lyon recently met with Ball to reiterate the Saints' interests in retaining Luke and also outlined the improvements necessary for both Luke and the entire St Kilda playing list to again be competitive in 2010," the club said in a statement on Tuesday.

"However Luke has now made the decision to pursue his career elsewhere.

"While St Kilda is disappointed with Luke's decision, the club believes it has conducted itself appropriately through what have been lengthy and complex negotiations in attempting to find a fair and reasonable outcome for all concerned."

Ex-Brisbane key forward Daniel Bradshaw will also go into either the national or pre-season draft, but he is already training with Sydney and is expected to be snapped up by the Swans.

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