The Brisbane Lions experienced tremendous success to start this century off going back-to-back-to-back (2001-03) before a slow decline that saw them lose the 04' Grand Final and only make the finals once since (2009).
In order to make its way up the ladder, Brisbane were forced to make personnel changes including many players who have gone on to lead successful careers at rival clubs.
Either seeking opportunity elsewhere or falling out of favour with the coach/board, players opted to change the Lion that was originally on their jersey, to something else.
Some trades worked out for Brisbane, but as most people are aware, a lot didn't.
Here are the top 10 players Brisbane have let go since 2003.
2. Sam Docherty
Pick No.12 in the 2011 draft, Docherty was scouted as a big time player and the Lions had landed him.
However, his first game for Brisbane came in round 4, 2013 as he was sidelined by hip and hamstring injuries. Docherty played in 13 games that season, with five of those as the infamous sub.
Homesick, Docherty wanted out of there and a move home to Victoria, where Carlton was able to snatch him up.
The determined and skilful defender first game in the navy blue was against arch nemesis, Collingwood, in front of 68,000 people. The composure and poise down back Docherty displayed was proof of why Carlton recruited him.
This time at the Blues saw Coach Malthouse sacked and many players scrutinized for their performances, except Docherty.
The emerging star improved on his previous year and played 19 games, where he averaged 21 touched and six marks.
The next two years saw Docherty play every match for the Blues as he started to perform at an elite level.
Averaging 26 and 28 touches across the two seasons, Docherty started to establish himself as one of the better defenders going around.
His efforts were rewarded, as a B&F win in 2016 and All-Australian honours the following year, proved this man was the real deal.
Unfortunately, Docherty ruptured his ACL at the end of 2017 meaning he missed all of 2018. His return back to football was a long one and was made longer as he ruptured his ACL on the same knee a year later, resulting in 2019 being a sit-out.
