Daniel McSctay has stepped up to incredible heights so far in the 2022 season, acting as one of the spearheads behind the Lions' push for a top-four finish.
Across 146 games for Brisbane - where he has kicked 115 goals as a key forward - McStay has cemented himself as one of the key components of the Lions' forward line.
Originally from Victoria, McStay is putting up career nest numbers this season, averaging 1.4 goals per game alongside 12 disposals and an above-average 5.9 marks. At 26 years of age and standing tall at 195cm, McStay could be a very useful puck for a lot of clubs in need of a key forward.
However, with his contract expiring towards the end of the season, the tall forward may be weighing up his options. With plenty of Victorian-based clubs in need of a goalscoring boost, or with other players looking increasingly likely to move on, there’s a good reason for McStay to head back home.
The Lions forward has already had his name heavily linked to a return south of the Tweed, prompting ongoing speculation around his future from 2023 and beyond.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Keeping this in mind, we’ve listed FIVE potential landing spots for the key forward in the upcoming free agency period.
1. Richmond
Richmond is a team that could greatly benefit from the arrival of McStay, especially considering the age of some of their forwards. Tom Lynch is already 29, and with veteran Jack Riewoldt looking increasingly likely to call time on his career at the end of the season, picking up a forward the quality of McStay seems like a no brainer.
At the prime age of 26, the key forward could be an essential long-term replacement for Riewoldt, having enough experience to get started straight away, keeping the Tigers at the top of their game.
Lynch is already a solid choice for a full forward, but his inconsistencies raise the question on whether McStay could be a potential replacement. A partnership would seem more likely with Riewoldt likely to retire. Having another, taller forward partner to play alongside would give the troubled Lynch a bit more freedom to play one-on-one rather than being double-teamed.
Although defender Noah Balta is being given a new rotational role in the forward line, he was already established as a solid player down back. Restoring Balta to his former glory at fullback while gaining the experience of McStay upfront to replace Riewoldt seems like a perfect move for the Tigers.
