Daniel McStay

Lions free agent linked with “astronomical” offer from Victorian club

A significant long-term deal has reportedly been murmured for the 26-year-old.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Brisbane's Daniel McStay is reportedly gaining significant interest from a Victorian club, with the key forward understood to have put contract talks with the Lions on hold.

McStay is a free agent in 2022, having last signed a three-year deal in 2019 that has seen the Eastern Ranges product enter his ninth campaign with the Queensland club this season.

The 26-year-old has booted 115 goals from his 142 appearances with the Lions, first making his debut in 2014 before sharing his duties at either end of the field as a key-position swingman.

Having emerged into a recognised key forward target in recent years, McStay has linked up with fellow forward talls Eric Hipwood and Joe Daniher to form a lethal speartip for Brisbane.

That attacking trio could be broken up should one Victorian club get their way, with 7 News' Tom Browne reporting an unnamed rival side is keen to lure McStay back to his home state.

It is understood that the club has made an "indicative" and "astronomical" offer to McStay that could be in the vicinity of a six-years and $600,000 per season.

"Key position players are incredibly hard to find and the player attracting big interest is Lion Daniel McStay," Browne reported on Monday night.

"Sources suggest contract talks are on hold with the Lions and a Victorian club has made an indicative, astronomical six-year offer.

"With interest intensified, the free agent is now in no rush. He'll attract that kind of length and north of $600,000 a season."

McStay is among several Lions players eligible for free agency at season's end, with Dayne Zorko, Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Lester and Mitch Robinson also able to test the open market.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Daniel McStay of the Lions and Jarrod Witts of the Suns compete for the ball during the round 6 AFL match between Gold Coast and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Brisbane have already been able to lock away required assets of their attack for the future, with Daniher and Keidean Coleman recently signing new deals for 2025 and 2024 respectively.

The Lions will also have star midfielder Lachie Neale coming off-contract this season, with the Brownlow Medal winner set to have increased eyes on his situation for the year ahead after being linked to a shock return to Fremantle last off-season.

McStay has played in all three of Brisbane's wins to start the 2022 season, most recently booting two goals in the club's 108-point win over North Melbourne.

Brisbane will face Geelong at Kardinia Park this Friday night as the two premiership contenders add to their contemporary rivalry.

Published by
Mitch Keating