Brisbane will look to lock away Zac Bailey this off-season ahead of his free agency year as rival clubs, including Essendon, come hard for the dual premiership forward.
Speculation ignited following a report in early September that Essendon were preparing a "mega offer" as a ploy to lure Bailey south, which AFL Media's Cal Twomey reported to be valued at $1.3 million annually across six-plus years.
Bailey produced a career-best year in 2025, kicking 42 goals in 26 matches, including 3.6 in the decider against Geelong.
And the Lions aren't prepared to let him go any time soon.
"We've started talks," Brisbane list manager Dom Ambrogio said at the opening day of the 2025 AFL trade period.
"We'll look to progress them. Retention is our main aim.
"Zach typically does his contract conversations between seasons, so now is the time to talk about it."
Ambrogio also spoke on the prospects of Callum Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich, with the pair requesting trades to Adelaide and West Coast.
Ah Chee was offered a "significant" offer to remain in Queensland, but has elected to explore his options.
Starcevich, despite being a free agent, will likely be included in a trade with the Eagles, so the Western Australian club doesn't dilute their Oscar Allen compensation.
Brisbane is prepared to play hardball on the duo.
"West Coast have expressed an interest in trading for Starcevich," Ambrogio said.
"We're open to all possibilities. I don't think it will be a trade directly between the two (Starcevich and Allen). But with regard to West Coast, their considerations are around the compensation pick."
The Lions see Ah Chee and Starcevich as similar values, and the Eagles' Pick 22 (formerly 19) has been linked with the latter.
"Similar to Brandon. We'll know, we'll know good value when we hear it."
Ambrogio also confirmed that the chat with Essendon's Jordan Ridley didn't go very far.
