Daniel McSctay has stepped up to incredible heights so far in the 2022 season, acting as one of the spearheads behind the Lions' push for a top-four finish.

Across 146 games for Brisbane - where he has kicked 115 goals as a key forward - McStay has cemented himself as one of the key components of the Lions' forward line.

Originally from Victoria, McStay is putting up career nest numbers this season, averaging 1.4 goals per game alongside 12 disposals and an above-average 5.9 marks. At 26 years of age and standing tall at 195cm, McStay could be a very useful puck for a lot of clubs in need of a key forward.

However, with his contract expiring towards the end of the season, the tall forward may be weighing up his options. With plenty of Victorian-based clubs in need of a goalscoring boost, or with other players looking increasingly likely to move on, thereโ€™s a good reason for McStay to head back home.

The Lions forward has already had his name heavily linked to a return south of the Tweed, prompting ongoing speculation around his future from 2023 and beyond.

DANIEL MCSTAY
Forward
Brisbane
2022 SEASON AVG
12
Disposals
5.3
Marks
1.1
Goals

Keeping this in mind, weโ€™ve listed FIVE potential landing spots for the key forward in the upcoming free agency period.

4. Essendon

Essendon are in need of more reliable forward options. Peter Wright is decent but still feels like a placeholder until the Dons can tie down someone more solid. Players like Jake Stringer and Harry Jones are sufficient, but Stringer doesnโ€™t spend enough time up front to consistently score.

Picking up an out-and-out forward like McStay could be an immediate fix to all of their forward problems. McStay is a tall, consistent and experienced forward option, and can act as someone Essendon can rely on to consistently take marks and score goals.

The Dons havenโ€™t really had a player that looks like a massive goal threat since Joe Daniherโ€™s departure. If the Bombers want to get back to their best, this void needs to be filled. Picking up a player of McStayโ€™s quality in free agency might be just the way to do it.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 08: Peter Wright of the Bombers celebrates a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 21 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium on August 8, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)