Sam Docherty is expected to tell the Brisbane Lions he wants out
FOUR Melbourne clubs last week met Brisbane rebounding defender Sam Docherty, who is likely to tell the Lions he wants out this week.
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FOUR Melbourne clubs last week met Brisbane rebounding defender Sam Docherty, who is likely to tell the Lions he wants out this week.
Docherty was a No.12 draft pick two years ago and has shown real promise in 13 games off halfback this year.
But after meeting Carlton, Essendon, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, he has gone home to Phillip Island to consider his future.
It seems likely he will join Jared Polec (pick 5) and Elliot Yeo (pick 30) in officially telling the Lions he wants a trade.
Punting guide
Ruckman Billy Longer, a former No.7 pick, met with Hawthorn this week and with the 20-year-old keen to get to the Hawks that deal is likely to get done.
His manager Matt Bain, of Stride Sports, said he was considering his future at home with family and friends over the weekend.
“Brisbane are really keen to retain him and will do what they can. He will wait until midway through this week until making his decision,’’ he said.
Dusty welcome back at Tigers
The off-season is turning into an unmitigated disaster for the Lions, with Brent Staker linked to Carlton and Patrick Karnezis likely heading to Collingwood.
They are yet to appoint a coach, will lose millions this year, and have no idea of the composition of their board given pending mediation with the AFL on Tuesday.
But while Michael Voss has been blamed, Docherty, Yeo and Polec had strong relationships with the sacked coach.
The state of the development program and off-field support for young players are all critical failings that have seen players want to leave.
There is also a feeling that some of the Brisbane stars and veterans have not supported the borderline players and youngsters as they might have.
The Lions are attempting to play hardball with their departing youngsters, but in reality those players could walk into the draft for nothing so Brisbane must do deals for them
