Victorian clubs are expected to join the race for Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson, who may consider his options this year as minutes in the Lions' engine room continue to be hard to come by.
Robertson was murmured as a potential target for Western Australian clubs last year despite his contract status with the Lions for this year, with a potential move back to his home state flagged for the 21-year-old.
The Lions were able to hold onto their young midfielder, who had impressed at the back-end of last year through the Lions' strong finals run that saw them reach the penultimate of the season.
After playing just 22 games prior to last September, a position under Chris Fagan looked to be cemented ahead of Robertson's fifth pre-season in Queensland.
But a busy trade and draft window for the Lions, who recruited Josh Dunkley from the Western Bulldogs and Will Ashcroft with the second pick in last year's draft, has left Robertson on the outskirts of Fagan's preferred midfield ensemble, with the Manning native playing just one full game at AFL level this year.
Roberston was listed as the tactical sub in Rounds 2 and 3 and has featured at the VFL level across the past fortnight, placed back in the selection queue due to Brisbane's strong contingent of ball winners.
His position at the Lions is reportedly piquing the interest of more rival clubs this year, with Victorian sides anticipated to join Western Australian clubs in monitoring Robertson's situation.
According to News Corp, Roberston won't be short of options if he looks elsewhere to play full-time midfield at the top level.
While Brisbane reportedly remains hopeful of retaining the young midfielder, Robertson's expiring contract could open a window for the 28-gamer to land elsewhere at the end of this year.
The Lions have the aforementioned Ashcrfot and Dunkley locked into their best 22, with co-captain Lachie Neale, wingman Hugh McCluggage and two-way runner Jarrod Berry also certain starters.
Veteran onballer Jarryd Lyons was handed the sub duties in Round 5, while the likes of Zac Bailey, Cam Rayner and Dayne Zorko can also be moved through the middle.
Brisbane are in line to acquire their second Ashcroft talent next year, with Will's younger brother Levi seen as one of the top prospects for 2024 already.
The wave of additional midfielders is sure to have an impact on players like Robertson and fellow fringe onballer Rhys Mathieson, who contemplated his future last year before deciding to remain with Brisbane for the final year of his current deal.
