Brisbane Lions could apply for another priority pick to add to their stockpile of high selections

BRISBANE Lions will consider applying for another priority pick, which could see them armed with four top-20 picks in this year’s draft. See the indicative draft order

Josh Schache has returned from his break with five goals in the NEAFL. Picture: Getty Images

BRISBANE Lions could be armed with four top-20 picks in this year’s draft as the reinvigorated club marvels at the Buddy Franklin-like emergence of Eric Hipwood.

The Lions are already assured of three top-20 picks and will consider applying for an end-of-first-round priority selection.

Based on the current ladder, the Lions could have picks one, 15, 18 and 19.

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But recruiters are more bullish about next year’s draft crop as several bottom-age prospects are outperforming this year’s potential draftees.

The AFL granted the Lions a priority selection last year after they finished 17th with a record of 3-19 and a percentage of 61.6.

They are on track for a similar season — Brisbane sits last at 2-10 with a percentage of 69.9.

Eric Hipwood has been a shining light for the Lions this year. Picture: AAP

The Lions believe they have made gains in the past six weeks, evidenced by an improved effort against Port Adelaide at the weekend.

In Round 6 the Power smashed Brisbane by 83 points at the Gabba, but the margin was cut to 40 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The competitive performance was diminished by Port scoring 8.5 to 2.0 in red time as Lions captain Dayne Beams and his predecessor Tom Rockliff battled illness.

Hipwood kicked two goals reminiscent of a young Franklin, who developed at Hawthorn under the watch of current Lions coach Chris Fagan.

Re-signed No.2 draft pick Josh Schache returned from his break refreshed and slotted five goals in the Lions’ 150-point NEAFL win against Southport on Saturday and half-back Alex Witherden is storming towards a debut.

Witherden, taken at pick No.23 last year from Geelong Falcons, has been one of the standout teenage Lions after recovering from breaking a leg in May last year.

The Lions have not had the No.1 pick since securing Des Headland in 1998. But if no standout prospect emerges, they could be tempted to trade the selection.

Brisbane received Port Adelaide’s first-round choice in the trade that sent Pearce Hanley to Gold Coast and will secure 199cm key forward Connor Ballenden form its talent academy.

Ballenden is rated a late first-round pick who could rise into the top-10 with a dominant national championships.

The Herald Sun revealed last week that while defender Dan McStay was being courted by Victorian clubs, the Lions are hopeful of thrashing out a new deal shortly.

With the bye rounds finally completed, the current draft order can be fairly gauged given every club has played 12 matches.

St Kilda, with picks two and nine on the indicative order, appears best placed to trade with Greater Western Sydney should Josh Kelly or Lachie Whitfield ask to leave the Giants.

The Saints hold Hawthorn’s first-round selection. The Hawks are not slated to enter the draft until pick 34.

The order has Geelong’s first selection at No.21 as debate continues on what a fair Cats trade to bring Gary Ablett back home could be.

INDICATIVE DRAFT ORDER

1. Brisbane Lions

2. St Kilda

3. North Melbourne

4. Carlton

5. Gold Coast

6. Collingwood

7. Sydney

8. Fremantle

9. St Kilda

10. Western Bulldogs

11. Essendon

12. West Coast

13. Richmond

14. Melbourne

15. Brisbane Lions

16. Richmond

17. Adelaide

18. Brisbane Lions

19. Gold Coast

20. North Melbourne

21. Geelong

22. Gold Coast

23. GWS Giants

24. Sydney

25. Gold Coast

26. GWS Giants

27. Western Bulldogs

28. Essendon

29. West Coast

30. Gold Coast

31. Melbourne

32. Port Adelaide

33. Geelong

34. Hawthorn

35. Adelaide

36. Collingwood

* GWS will effectively lose first-round pick as part of Lachie Whitfield drugs sanction

** Lions could receive pick 19 as a priority selection, which would shuffle the order back