SPORT Lions seek funding nod in quest for finals footy

BRISBANE has put its top draft pick on the table as the club plots a return to the finals within two years.

The Lions will put a submission to the AFL for extra funding to pay the underspend on the salary cap to help them lure a big fish.

AFL rules allow clubs to carry over unspent money and Brisbane was about $250,000 under last year.

The Lions will also ask for a priority pick on the basis they have won fewer games over the past three years than Carlton and Gold Coast, who are both expected to receive spe- cial assistance from the league.

Brisbane traded away pick 12 last year to Adelaide for Charlie Cameron and are prepared to do it again, this time with their top pick which is currently No.5.

St Kilda is believed to be a potential trade partner as it attempts to secure picks four and five to draft the 200cm King twins, Max and Ben.

It is understood the Lions will inquire about the availability of either of midfield duo Seb Ross or Jack Steven.

The Lions are keen to return to September while senior stars Dayne Zorko and Dayne Beams are at their peak.

Beams is repeatedly linked to a return to Melbourne but he has not requested a trade from the Lions and the club say he is a required player.

Brisbane is also looking at Bulldog Mitch Wallis and Kangaroos’ ruckman and Queenslander Braydon Preuss.

CEO Greg Swann refused to discuss names, but said the Lions were in discussions with a “very good” player.

“We’re looking to continue our improvement and if we can bring in a good player that can help us with that we’ll look at it,’’ he said.

The Lions this week extended coach Chris Fagan’s contract by another two years until the end of 2021.

Fagan said that he felt he would have failed if the side was not playing finals by the time his new deal expired.

Skipper Dayne Zorko yesterday said Fagan had made a huge impact in a short time at Brisbane.

The most immediate, he says, was restoring the confidence of the entire footy club by building individual relationships.

“Fages did a really long apprenticeship at Hawthorn and Melbourne.

“He was in the game a really long time overseeing things, and I think it’s the relationship side of things Fages has brought,” he said.

“He’s instilled a lot of confidence in us to go out and do what we can do, what we got drafted to do. I think the boys have fed off that confidence that he’s been able to provide us by building those relationships.”

‘We’re looking to continue our improvement’