Since Chris Fagan has taken the reins of the Brisbane Lions, the club has been able to bring stars from right across the league such as Charlie Cameron, Lachie Neale, Luke Hodge, and more recently Josh Dunkley, to name a few.
Their ability to bring in all types of players whether they were consistently injured, veterans, or superstars from another team has ultimately boosted the depth of the Lions squad and reignited careers that have risen a team that was competing for the wooden spoon to now be placed as premiership contenders.
Off the back of a busy 2022 exchange window that also included the addition of Jack Gunston, Conor McKenna and father-son picks in Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher, the Lions will be without a first-round pick in the upcoming off-season.
In the second part of our club-by-club AFL trade targets series, we take a look at the potential off-contract players Brisbane could look to attract to the sunshine state.
2. Tom Doedee
Another defender that has recently had rumours released about a move to Brisbane is Adelaide Crows defender Tom Doedee. Like Ratugolea, Doedee might also be the permanent replacement for Marcus Adams.
With no first round pick for 2023, Brisbane would have the option to sign him as a free agent, and whilst he isn't taller (190cm), or bigger (90kg) than Ratugolea, his skill set has been on full display for the Crows as a reliable defender with the ability to make the right decision under pressure.
The 26-year-old has been known for his defensive pressure acts in laying tackles and starting handball chains that could pair with the deadly Lions half-backs in Conor McKenna, Kiedean Coleman, Darcy Wilmot and the Lions midfield.
Doedee has made 83 pressure acts so far in 2023 but is currently recovering from a knee injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the year. With his contract nearing its end, will he be on the move or will Adelaide retain a crucial part of their puzzle?
