Five trade targets for EVERY AFL club: Brisbane Lions

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.

Esava Ratugolea

The 24-year-old from Geelong could be the helping hand Brisbane has been looking for in defence. The 197cm, 100kg tank could be the replacement for Marcus Adams, who might not take to the field ever again after suffering a knock to the head last year with delayed concussion symptoms still having an impact.

Ratugolea has also been a good utility player for the Cats with the ability to go forward and kick goals if needed, which could solve inconsistency issues that have plagued the Brisbane forward line in recent times. Ratugolea has kicked 38 goals so far in his six-year tenure at the Cattery.

Despite Geelong's up-and-down performances so far in 2023, Ratugolea has been one of their shining lights, recording a career record of 73 spoils whilst only losing 27.3% of defensive contests so far from his 33 'one on ones' this year.

Whilst Geelong are adamant to hold onto Ratugolea, rival club interest from Port Adelaide and Brisbane has picked up. His contract with the Cats ends at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

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?

Caleb Marchbank

Another defender that Brisbane could pounce on is Caleb Marchbank. Marchbank has struggled to break into the Blues' lineup due to injury, playing only 52 games since debuting back in 2015 for GWS. He then requested a trade to Carlton after the 2016 season.

However, injury concerns have never stopped the Lions from trading for players, with the likes of Lincoln McCarthy, Joe Daniher, Marcus Adams, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Nakia Cockatoo all remaining injury free for most of their time in Brisbane despite having issues at their previous clubs.

The 26-year-old, who is 193cm tall and 92kg, has had three seasons at the Blues where he finished the year with 12 or more games under his belt, with the defender showing plenty of promise and poise when on the field.

Marchbank only signed a one-year extension in 2022. Could a trip north be the key to Marchbank's career rejuvenation?

Harrison Himmelberg

Harry Himmelberg has undoubtedly been one of the rocks that GWS can rely on to perform since his debut in 2016. He has been a dynamic swingman who has kicked 159 goals in his seven-year stint in Western Sydney so far and has played a pivotal role as an option that can get thrown into defence.

Whilst the Lions may not favour him after picking up Gunston last year, Himmelberg may be a closer replica to former Lion Dan McStay. Himmelberg, measuring in at 195cm and 94kg, might also be the player that helps Eric Hipwood's confidence when comes to creating a forward contest.

His forward pressure may also solve another problem for the Lions, while Himmelberg is another target Brisbane would be considering for their backline and would also come at no cost given his free agency status.

Lewis Melican

To round out our five trade targets for the Lions we have a 26-year-old key defender from the Sydney Swans in Lewis Melican.

While Melican did not feature in the 2022 season, he has had some good years statistically with the 2017 and 2019 seasons both being his best.

In only four games played this season, he placed 28 pressure acts, 27 spoils and nine tackles, and has only lost one 'one on one' contest from his ten attempts.

Melican is also another defender with a strong body, weighing 99kg at 194cm tall.

The defender was reportedly open to being traded after failing to make the lineup at any stage last year. But with his contract expiring come season's end, he will have the chance to explore his options unless he intends to stay a Swan.

However, with uncertainty floating over Paddy McCartin, there might be a reason for Melican to remain in Sydney.