The Brisbane Lions have become top eight regulars this decade and consistently find themselves in premiership contention.
The great teams of the modern era always find ways to get better each season, however, so as the Lions seek to reach a third consecutive Grand Final, they'll also have a keen eye on the impending trade period. With several key positional players off-contract, Brisbane have the opportunity to drastically shake up - and improve - the current core of their playing list.
Here are five trade and free agency targets for Brisbane to consider this year.
1Sam Draper
The Adelaide Crows appear to have dropped out of the Sam Draper sweepstakes with the recent re-signing of Reilly O'Brien, opening the door for Brisbane to steal the Essendon ruckman this off-season.
Brisbane's ruck stocks would arguably be the weakest part of this dominant club right now, with a number of question marks being raised about the long-term capabilities of duo Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort during this season. McInerney has struggled with fitness due to a back injury while Fort, despite being a premiership player, ranks 13th among 21 ruckmen for ruck contest win percentage (minimum 10 games played).
The lure of Draper for the Lions would be the versatility he possesses. Before he suffered his season ending ACL injury, he demonstrated a much greater aerial threat to Fort and McInerney, averaging 3.6 marks per game, half of which were contested. He also proved to be one of the better goal sneaks, kicking seven goals in five games this season. That's the same as Fort and McInerney have combined in 19 fewer games.
With the Lions searching for tall presences inside 50 after the loss of Joe Daniher to retirement last season, there's no doubt Draper can offer a near-perfect solution and should understandably be at the top of their priority list.
