Brisbane are understood to be a keen suitor for off-contract Hawthorn veteran Jack Gunston.
The Lions are bracing for free agent Daniel McStay's exit this off-season, with the Queensland club seemingly resigned to the outcome that the key forward will venture to Collingwood on a five-year deal.
Brisbane have already been linked to Sydney superstar Lance Franklin in recent weeks, with the contending club potentially looking to sharpen their spear for 2023.
Already home to Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood, it seems Chris Fagan may be keen on setting up a lethal three-piece tall attack, while the likes of Charlie Cameron, Lincoln McCarthy and Cam Rayner swarm their feet at ground level.
Franklin has confirmed contract talk with Sydney are currently on pause until the off-season, with the 35-year-old unable to guarantee whether he will even be playing in the AFL next year.
While the Lions have been touted as a potential landing spot for Franklin, his former premiership teammate in Gunston is reported to be another target for Brisbane.
According to The Herald Sun, the Lions have their sights on Gunston, who remains yet to recommit to the Hawks beyond this season.
It's understood that Gunston and Hawthorn were in discussions over a new deal, however negotiations have since stopped following the recent passing of Gusnton's father, Ray.
2023 will be the 30-year-old's 14th season in the league, having begun his career at Adelaide before returning to Victoria to join Hawthorn ahead of the 2012 season, playing in three premierships in his first three seasons in brown and gold.
Gunston held an integral role under Alastair Clarkson and is continuing to dominate at AFL level this year under rookie coach Sam Mitchell, having booted 26 goals from 14 appearances this year.
Lions, along with any other interested clubs, will be wary of Gunston's recent injury history, with a back issue seeing the veteran sharpshooter sidelined for all but one game last year
He is showing no sign of the setbacks however, having booted two five-goal hauls in the past three weeks.
An unrestricted free agent, Gunston will be able to join the club of his choosing by exercising his rights as a free agent.
Gunston has played 223 games in the AFL, booting 424 goals across a decorated career.
