The former Horsham Demon was reportedly seen touring Essendon's training facilities, sparking whispers of a move to Tullamarine.

The 27-year-old is off contract at the end of next year.

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Speaking to AFL Trade Radio's Trade Exchange, Gallagher said Ross is a required player for the Saints in 2021.

"I read the scuttlebutt about him being seen somewhere else next year and I was reliably informed that it was rubbish in the end," he said.

"He'll certainly be with us next year... He's been an excellent player for our footy and is not in his declining years."

Ross has won two of the past four best-and-fairest counts at the Saints.

The Wimmera export saw himself slide down the pecking order in the Saints' midfield this season, thanks in part to the emergence of All-Australian Jack Steele.

Ross will face more competition next season, with St Kilda recruiting gun Adelaide onballer and Beaufort product Brad Crouch.

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Gallagher said Ross was still primed for a big year, despite the big name arrival.

"He's going to prepare himself to have a really big year next year with Brad in the midfield and a couple of other guys in the middle as well." he said.

With Ross staying put, another Wimmera export is now being linked to Essendon.

The Bombers are reportedly interested in out-of-favour Melbourne Demons forward Tom McDonald.

The Edenhope-Apsley product fell down the pecking order this season, kicking just seven goals from nine games in 2020.

The Bombers are in search of a key forward, after Joe Daniher exercised his free agency rights and moved to Brisbane.

The 28-year-old is contracted for a further two years at an estimated $600,000, on a deal that he signed during his breakout 53-goal 2018 season.

With the Demons linked to North Melbourne forward Ben Brown, the club is reportedly keen to shift McDonald on to free up space on the salary cap.

The AFL Trade Period closes on November 12.

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