The Brisbane Lions could find themselves with plenty of strong options this offseason—if they handle the trade market wisely.
Amid growing speculation that the Lions are looking to strengthen their ruck depth, three-time Premiership player Alastair Lynch has urged the club to consider targeting St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall, particularly if Sam Draper or Reilly O’Brien prove too costly.
“There are a few options available,” Lynch said on AFL Tonight via Sports News on Wednesday. “Draper’s had his injury issues, but the Lions will assess each player carefully without compromising their list strategy. With a tight salary cap, they’re not going to overpay. But if Draper or O’Brien are too expensive, someone like Rowan Marshall could be worth a look—especially if Tom De Koning ends up at St Kilda, which could push Marshall out of the top ruck spot.”
Draper is reportedly being offered $700,000 to stay with Essendon, but Brisbane is said to be prepared to top that by $100,000. That could trigger a bidding war with the Crows, who are also interested.
Marshall, on the other hand, could be a short-term solution for Lions coach Chris Fagan while 22-year-old Henry Smith continues his development. Smith featured in four senior games late last season and is viewed as a promising long-term option.
With Oscar McInerney’s durability in question and Darcy Fort also approaching the twilight of his career, Lynch believes a reliable, budget-friendly ruckman is essential in the interim.
“They’ve got young Henry Smith, who shows real potential, but there’s going to be a gap between the eventual retirements of Oscar and Darcy and Henry being fully ready,” Lynch said.
Although Marshall is signed with St Kilda until the end of 2027, his role could be in jeopardy if De Koning joins the club from Carlton. At 29 and having been the subject of trade rumors for over a year, Marshall might see Brisbane as a strong Premiership contender and a perfect landing spot—provided the price is right.
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