The 2023 AFL season has well and truly ticked into the business end of proceedings, and with that, the on-field activity becomes increasingly captivating.
Discussion and debate about the state of umpiring, dangerous tackles and the MRO, 'wildcard' finals formats – and everything else of the like – has dominated the league's agenda to this point in the year.
However, as we edge excitedly closer to the flag-deciding matchups of this season, we also creep closer to the off-season; signalling free agency and trades!
As is the case every season, an array of appealing talent is potentially up for grabs.
In this three-part series, we're not necessarily analysing each club's biggest or most popular off-contract names. Rather, we've examined every squad's most intriguing crop of players whose contract situations provoke curiosity.
So, without further ado, let's explore the first six teams and their off-contract assets.
2. Brisbane Lions
Dayne Zorko
Zorko's contract situation presents an intriguing case to consider from a Lions list management perspective.
Currently slated to enter unrestricted free agency at the end of the year at age 34, Zorko has played all 12 of his AFL seasons as a Lion and has served as Brisbane's skipper, effectively, presumably, ruling out the possibility of the efficient-kicking flanker seeking a new home in 2024.
A more likely outcome? Brisbane offers a one-year addendum to the long-serving veteran's current contract.
A slightly less likely but still possible scenario? Zorko calls time on an eventful career at the cessation of this season, opening the door to enhanced senior opportunity for Brisbane's younger brigade of flankers.
Marcus Adams
Uncertainty clouds Adams' footballing future, as he continues to nurse plaguing concussion after-effects.
Not dissimilar to the embattled McCartin brothers' struggles, Adams' situation is incredibly unfortunate, as, when fit and firing, he provides immense value to Brisbane's backline.
While the health effects of his concussion battle are of foremost importance, his protracted absence also has the potential to cripple his AFL career, particularly as it pertains to securing a contract extension beyond this season.
As Adams remains sidelined, the Lions continue to oversee the emergence of key defender Jack Payne, while the club's list committee prepares to dabble in the free agency and trade market at the position, reportedly showing interest in off-contract Crow Tom Doedee.
There is a possibility that Payne, who has lost just 15 per cent of his contested defensive one-on-ones (CDOOO) this season, has inspired enough long-term confidence in Brisbane to view Adams as expendable, depending on the short-term condition of his current health concerns. Payne's list spot in Brisbane is confirmed, holding a contract that extends through next season.
Further, the addition of a big-name key defender via the upcoming exchange period could plunge Adams' career into peril.
Kai Lohmann
While Zorko and Adams' contract situations are perhaps more front-of-mind for the Lions' stakeholders and supporters alike, the lesser-talked-about circumstances surrounding Lohmann are just as intriguing, if not more so.
Lohmann, the only first-rounder from the 2021 National Draft yet to receive a new deal, was subject to plenty of hype in the lead-up to, and following his Lions debut. However, he played only one full game in his debut season, with the other coming as Brisbane's substitute.
Only against the Swans in Round 14 did Lohmann make his first appearance of the 2023 season, managing 14 disposals and four inside 50s and bringing his career total to a mere three games. Doubts about a senior future for the small forward in Brisbane must be rising.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
The Lions' towering forward line typically consists of Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood, and either Darcy Fort or Oscar McInerney, depending on which of the two is resting forward.
Brisbane's preference for a taller set-up doesn't leave plenty of room for smaller roaming forwards.
Lohmann could be seen as a casualty of Brisbane's forward-line construction, as superstar Charlie Cameron and complementary hard-worker Lincoln McCarthy currently make up the brunt of Brisbane's smaller brigade.
Factor in that there is also usually a midfielder-type resting forward of the ball – typically Zac Bailey, Cameron Rayner, Will Ashcroft, or the like – and there's limited opportunity for Lohmann to consistently make a significant impact.
Evidently, the Lions' list management brains trust is taking its time in coming to a decision regarding the livewire forward. Will he be seen as a necessary piece of Brisbane's future, or will he be donning different colours in 2024?
Lohmann, prior to arriving at the Lions, featured prominently for the GWV Rebels in the Coates Talent League. Could he be tempted home to Victoria?
Since the wiry youngster hasn't served enough Lions campaigns to qualify for free agent status, any such movement would have to be orchestrated via trade.
Daniel Rich
The long-kicking Rich remains a topic of contention after he and fellow veteran Jack Gunston made the remarkable call to stand themselves down from senior selection due to poor performance.
The highly-documented stance followed the Lions' shock loss to Hawthorn at the MCG in Round 13. Rich's in-game efforts were lambasted, most notably by Fox Footy analyst David King, who was particularly scathing in his assessment of the veteran half-back-flanker's play prior to Rich's standing down.
While Gunston has since been welcomed back into Fagan's starting side, Rich remains an afterthought, with that theme possibly continuing into Brisbane's off-season contract business.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The long-tenured veteran remains off-contract as the end of the season becomes nigh, begging the question of if the Lions' list committee views the booming left-footer as a necessary piece of the club's puzzle beyond this year.
Physically-imposing second-year flanker Darcy Wilmot is making quick work of his ascension, the smooth-moving Keidean Coleman is a wonderful ball user and boasts valuable foot speed, and similarly-speedy Irishman Conor McKenna was acquired just this pre-season for his rebounding talents.
Those facts leave Rich in a precarious position as younger, faster Lions start bearing down.
