Veteran Lions defender Grant Birchall is weighing up the next step of his career following the Lions' heartbreaking straight sets finals exit.
Birchall, a four-time premiership player at Hawthorn, has played a senior role in Brisbane'sย resurgence up the ladder under the tutelage of senior coach Chris Fagan.
The 33-year-old made the venture north of the Tweed after 14 seasons with the Hawks, with his final three years at the club being limited to just eight appearances.
A move to the Lions has seen the defender play 39 games since the start of last season in a role aiding the development of the club's youthful backline.
With his future yet to be decided and his 16th season in the AFL now concluded, the Tasmania product is mulling over whether to call time on an illustrious career or continue with the Lions' push for a premiership.
Speaking withย The Age,ย Birchall's manager Shane Casley revealed a decision was yet to be made by his client.
โChatting to Birch this week about his plans. No decision as yet," he said.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The Lions only have a handful of players unsigned for next season, with livewire duo Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson recently inking new deals with Brisbane.
Birchall joins Connor Ballenden, Archie Smith, Kalin Lane, Tom Joyce and Brock Smith in being yet to recommit to the club.
The Lions will need to deal with superstar midfielder Lachie Neale's future as a priority however, with the club's powerbrokers having to call an urgent meeting on Sunday night after a report of emerged of the Brownlow medallist's interest in returning to Western Australia.
Neale and the Lions are yet to formally acknowledge the report, with the news being fresh to Brisbane football boss Danny Daly.
Birchall has played a total of 287 games across his stints with the Hawks and Lions, winning four premierships under departing Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.
