Daniel Merrett says Kurt Tippett would be "very handy" addition to Brisbane Lions' line-up

BRISBANE Lion Daniel Merrett says Kurt Tippett would be a "very handy" acquisition and offer the club flexibility in the forward-ruck position.

Daniel Merrett

BRISBANE Lions fullback Daniel Merrett says Kurt Tippett would be a "very handy" acquisition, but he's more concerned with stopping the Adelaide forward on Saturday night.

Speculation is mounting the off-contract Crows forward could be in line for a return to his home state in the off-season, with both Queensland clubs believed to be interested.

Merrett said having the Gold Coast-born star would offer Brisbane greater flexibility in the forward-ruck position.

"I think anyone with that talent to have in your team would be great, and that position where you have a tall forward who can go into the ruck is so crucial these days - it means you can have another runner on the field," the Lions vice-captain said.

Merrett's switch back to defence in last weekend's 36-point loss to Carlton means a possible match-up between the two when their sides clash at the Gabba this weekend.

"I think he kicked five or six on me out here one day. He's a really good forward and a hard opponent, so I'll have to be switched on," Merrett said.

Daniel Merrett

"Him [Tippett] and Taylor [Walker] up forward are definitely going to be a hard task this weekend."

Early signs suggest Tippett will sufficiently recover in time from his concussion woes to line-up alongside fellow power forward Walker, who sits equal eighth on the Coleman Medal table.

Tippett's return would see the Lions hopeful of bringing back a tall of their own in defender Matt Maguire, who has missed the last two but trained yesterday, to help combat Adelaide's twin threats.