Pearce Hanley could be traded by Brisbane Lions to rivals Gold Coast Suns

BRISBANE star Pearce Hanley is set to be traded to Queensland rivals Gold Coast as the club rebuilds in the wake of its woeful season.

Pearce Hanley celebrates a goal with Dayne Zorko and Mitch Robinson.

BRISBANE star Pearce Hanley is set to be traded to Queensland rivals Gold Coast as the club rebuilds in the wake of its woeful season.

The Lions and Suns have reportedly come to a mutual agreement for Irish midfielder Hanley’s move down the M1 after nine years and 129 games at the Gabba, according to News Corp.

The 27-year-old Hanley is one of the Lions’ best players, but his form dropped off as the club slid down the ladder in the past two years under former coach Justin Leppitsch.

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The Suns are well placed to secure Hanley with a swag of high draft picks - they hold picks No.4, 9, 21, 22, 25 and 28 - and are set to receive even more for wantaway midfielders Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia.

At the launch of AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday, Hanley’s manager Paul Connors indicated a move to Robina was a long way from eventuating.

“I think more than likely he’ll be there (at Brisbane) but trade month is a funny period,” he said.

A dejected Pearce Hanley. Picture: Jono Searle.

“He’s an extremely loyal young man and his brother plays at the club, so it would have to be something that enticed both parties for him to leave.

“He hasn’t requested a trade and Brisbane hasn’t asked me to trade him. It’s a long way from happening.”

The Lions are set to make major on- and off-field changes during the off-season with Adelaide’s head of football David Noble being pursued while Hawthorn’s general manager of football operations Chris Fagan is the front-runner to replace Leppitsch.