Essendon free agent Sam Draper's move to Brisbane has been confirmed, with the paperwork for his Bombers departure filed on Saturday.
The move sees the Dons lose their first-string ruckman to the reigning premiers, who bolster their flag-winning squad with the 78-gamer.
Given Draper fell under the unrestricted band of free agency, Essendon had no option but to match the deal presented by Brisbane.
The list change has seen Essendon pocket band two compensation for Draper's exit, with the Dons acquiring Pick 20 as a result.
Paperwork approved.
Unrestricted free agent Sam Draper has signed with Brisbane. Essendon will receive an End of First Round selection (currently #20) in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft as compensation.
— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 4, 2025
Essendon's draft hand now holds Picks 4, 5, 20, 26 and 29.
“I'm really excited to join the Brisbane Lions and to work under Fages (coach Chris Fagan),” Draper said in a statement.
“I'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates, earning their respect and getting to work.
“My focus is on improving every day, getting my body right, and making a positive impact wherever I can for this Club.”
Brisbane is set to rely on premiership ruck pair Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort for the start of the 2026 season, with Draper currently recovering from an Achilles injury from April.
Draper played five games in the 2025 season, adding to a history of injury-impacted campaigns in the red and black.
He has played more than 16 games in a single year just once since being drafted out of South Australia in 2016 as a rookie.
