Since Chris Fagan has taken the reins of the Brisbane Lions, the club has been able to bring stars from right across the league such as Charlie Cameron, Lachie Neale, Luke Hodge, and more recently Josh Dunkley, to name a few.
Their ability to bring in all types of players whether they were consistently injured, veterans, or superstars from another team has ultimately boosted the depth of the Lions squad and reignited careers that have risen a team that was competing for the wooden spoon to now be placed as premiership contenders.
Off the back of a busy 2022 exchange window that also included the addition of Jack Gunston, Conor McKenna and father-son picks in Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher, the Lions will be without a first-round pick in the upcoming off-season.
In the second part of our club-by-club AFL trade targets series, we take a look at the potential off-contract players Brisbane could look to attract to the sunshine state.
5. Lewis Melican
To round out our five trade targets for the Lions we have a 26-year-old key defender from the Sydney Swans in Lewis Melican.
While Melican did not feature in the 2022 season, he has had some good years statistically with the 2017 and 2019 seasons both being his best.
In only four games played this season, he placed 28 pressure acts, 27 spoils and nine tackles, and has only lost one 'one on one' contest from his ten attempts.
Melican is also another defender with a strong body, weighing 99kg at 194cm tall.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The defender was reportedly open to being traded after failing to make the lineup at any stage last year. But with his contract expiring come season's end, he will have the chance to explore his options unless he intends to stay a Swan.
However, with uncertainty floating over Paddy McCartin, there might be a reason for Melican to remain in Sydney.
