Contracted Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson could return to trade discussions for the second time in as many years as the young onballer struggles to find a role at AFL level.

Robertson has played just two games in 2024, featuring against Fremantle in Round 1 before facing Collingwood two weeks later where he was subbed out of the club's third successive loss.

The 23-year-old has spent the rest of his season either playing in the VFL or sidelined, with a shoulder injury keeping him off the field for close to a month earlier in the year.

Robertson's pre-season was also limited after it was revealed he required surgery on a broken wrist sustained in last year's grand final loss to Collingwood, with Robertson playing out the season decider with the ailment.

Following an equal career-high of 16 games last year, Robertson has struggled to return to a starting role under coach Chris Fagan in 2024, and could find himself even further back in the pecking order in the next 12 months as the Lions prepare to bring in two top-rated midfielders through the draft.

Father-son-tied draftee Levi Ashcroft could be the opening selection of November's AFL Draft, while Academy prospect Sam Marshall may also demand a first-round bid.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Deven Robertson of the Lions in action during the 2022 AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 16, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Factoring in the club's need to have a strong draft hand to match bids for both teenagers, Brisbane could be in the market to bring in multiple selections to aid their recruitment plans.

With Brisbane also managing to retain midfield pair Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry to long-term deals this year, the Lions may not require Robertson at senior level unless their engine room faces injury issues.

According toย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, the situation has led to Robertson being "one to watch" ahead of the off-season.

West Coast could be the club leading any race for Robertson's signature, with the Perth powerhouse having chased the Western Australian last year before he re-signed with Brisbane on a two-year deal in October.

The Eagles didn't hide their interest in the local youngster, with then-list manager Rohan O'Brien stating Robertson's agent held ongoing talks with the Eagles prior to his decision to remain a Lion.

"We'd like to bring him to the footy club. We've had some discussions with his management," O'Brien told AFL Trade Radio.

West Coast currently hold selections 3, 23 and 59 for this year's National Draft.