The decision from Brisbane star Joe Daniher to call time on his career following the Lions' premiership-winning season has left the club to weigh up whether to make a splash of their own this off-season in a bid to replace their 2023 and 2024 leading goalkicker in the trade period.
Daniher's exit opens a large hole in Chris Fagan's front half, with the sharpshooting veteran booting 58 goals and assisting a further 16 this year alone.
Rookie Logan Morris rose to the occasion in his first year at AFL level, while Eric Hipwood has proven to be a threat, but both players are likely to require a third attacking teammate to aid their flag defence.
The Lions have ex-Hawthorn tall Brandon Ryan and youngster Luke Lloyd waiting in the wings, while key defender Darcy Gardiner could again be swung forward to play a role in Fagan's forward line.
Those options won't come close to filling Daniher's shoes however, with Brisbane potentially looking to the open market given the near-seven-figure gap in their salary cap that has now opened.
We take a look at five players Brisbane could target to replace Daniher this off-season.
2. Jake Riccardi
Another option involving a player currently under contract, with Riccardi signed at GWS until the end of the 2026 season.
The 198cm forward found himself unable to break back into the forward line under Adam Kingsley for the club's September series after overcoming finger surgery, with veteran Lachie Keeffe holding his place ahead of Riccardi in the queue.
With Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan, former Pick 1 selection Aaron Cadman and breakout forward Callum Brown also looking to fill spots in the Giants' front half, Riccardi could find some appeal in the thought of leading the Lions' attacking unit alongside Hipwood.
Much like Daniher was able to this year at Brisbane, Riccardi can offer a pinch-hitting ruck role while rotating as a forward half threat.
