Adelaide free agent Tom Doedee has chosen Brisbane as his preferred landing spot ahead of the signing window's opening on Friday.
As many as three rival clubs, as well as the Crows, were hopeful of securing the 26-year-old's signature ahead of his decision, with Collingwood and Sydney also said to be keen on the intercept defender.
Doedee wasn't in a rush to make a decision on his future and had surveyed the Crows' interest in a new deal as well as options elsewhere following his season-ending ACL injury sustained in Round 12 against the Suns.
Following strong interest from the Lions, who have been reported to have tabled a five-year, $3 million deal to Doedee, the Victorian has made a call to choose the Lions as his desired next club via free agency.
The Crows and Lions confirmed Doedee's intentions to depart West Lakes on Wednesday.
"Adelaide defender Tom Doedee has informed the Club he will exercise his rights as a free agent this off-season," a club statement read.
"The Crows have the opportunity to match any rival offer for Doedee, who is a restricted free agent, when the AFL's free agency period opens on Friday, October 6.
"Crows General Manager List Management and Strategy Justin Reid said the Club would assess its options in order to secure the best possible outcome during the free agency window and the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period which begins on Monday, October 9."
Free agency will open on Friday and will run for one week, with Doedee's restricted status allowing Adelaide to match a bid for their backman.
If the Crows decide to do so, they'll force the Lions into a trade, while an unmatched offer would see Doedee walk to Queensland and Adelaide gain compensation as a result of losing their defender.
Brisbane's interest in Doedee comes after losing Marcus Adams to retirement following the backman's ongoing battle with concussion.
Doedee will join a backline that helped lead Chris Fagan's side to a grand final finish in 2023, with the likes of Harris Andrews, Keidean Coleman and Jack Payne among the top names in the Lions' rearguard.
Free agency officially opens at 9:00am (AEDT) on Friday and will end on Friday, October 13 at 5:00pm.
