Brisbane development coach Scott Thompson has urged AFL rivals to give delisted Lion Luke Beecken a top-flight lifeline after falling victim to the squeeze at the reigning premiers.
Beecken was farewelled by the Lions last week after playing just one AFL game following his drafting via the 2024 mid-season intake.
He has won the past two Brisbane VFL best and fairest awards, playing across half back and through the midfield but was unable to bypass the likes of Darcy Wilmot, Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage, Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley.
It's understood Carlton has an interest in Beecken, who could be picked up as a delisted free agent.
"It's been unfortunate for him. He's only played a minute amount of AFL footy since he's been here," Thompson said on SEN.
"He's been starved of opportunity, which you can understand given the position he plays. He's quite a hard-running half-back. He uses the ball beautifully. We actually played him at times through the middle of the ground at VFL level this year.
"He's certainly able to win the ball and break the game open for us. I'd love to see him get an opportunity at another club; given, unfortunately for him, where he found himself in our line-up, there were a number of players that found themselves ahead of him at AFL level."
Thompson, who joined the Lions as a midfield development coach 12 months ago, worked closely with the on-ball brigade, and has named two players who could fill the Lachie Neale void.
The two-time Brownlow Medallist joined Collingwood as a free agent, but has flagged top 2025 draftee Dan Annable as a potential replacement, while Levi Ashcroft should receive an uptick in inside midfield minutes.
"We've lost Lachie Neale," Thompson said.
"But there's a young lad called Daniel Annable who will come in next year and get more game time. He played a couple of games this year but injured his shoulder. He's got a huge amount of upside.
"Levi Ashcroft will probably get some more inside time as well. The clubs in a good position next year."
