The Lions are in a rich vein of form following a stunted start to 2021, with their eyes now firmly fixed on a top four spot.

Despite this, no team is ever perfect and even the Lions could use some reinforcements - either in the upcoming trade period or medium-term future.

We continue our ‘Five trade targets for every club' series with the Brisbane Lions. The idea of these stories is to identify potentially gettable targets who could fill roles, not just link every club to the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and Patrick Cripps.

FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR: Adelaide Crows, Carlton

So in no particular order, here is it – five players we think Brisbane should have on their hit list.

3. Zach Merrett

Could Merrett follow in Joe Daniher's footsteps? Where Merrrett plays in 2022 will be one of the biggest talking points over the course of the next seven months, leading into the trade period. The 25-year-old has been linked with a plethora of clubs - one of them being Brisbane - and will be due a huge pay-packet  whether he stays at The Hanger or goes somewhere else.

However, Merrett would be a massive addition to a Brisbane midfield that is already brimming with talent. It would elevate the Lions midfield to that of the Bulldogs level and,
if they fail to win the competition this year, could be the key to a premiership.

This year, Merrett is averaging some incredible numbers, ranked third in total inside 50s, fourth in total disposals and eighth in total effective disposals. Should the Lions tempt Merrett with the right money, then it would no doubt be one of the biggest moves of the trade period.