Was Paul Harding one of them?.... and does Mick Malthouse(coaching West Coast) count?

Well done, twaq. It was indeed the Swans, who used the Saints offer as a lever to broker themselves a better deal at Albert Park.
I now defer to you, oh wise one

and then there were 7! Keep trying

No to the Bulldogs, Carlton and Fitzroy.
8 teams left. The process of elimination will get us there

nope and nope... only 9 more guesses.

Thanks St Fid jnr.
My question is:
In the mid/late 70's, the Saints courted a possible co-tenant at Moorabbin to ease financial pressure..... What team did the Saints approach?

St Fid Jnr wrote:In early times the seagull was associated with the saints...

An attempt was made for another name.

What was that name???

Panthers?