St Kilda has made its first move of the trade period, swapping picks six and 59 with the Giants for first round selections No. 12 and No. 18.

The Saints are working on bringing in four important players during the trade period with the pick swap giving the club greater flexibility in their negotiations.

Port Adelaide's Dougal Howard is the latest player to officially request a trade to the Saints, joining teammate Paddy Ryder, Sydney's Zak Jones and Fremantle's Bradley Hill in seeking a move to Moorabbin.