Lions holding out for Fort

BRISBANE’S key draft priority is to secure Geelong back-up ruckman Darcy Fort in a move that should pave the way for the Cats to lure Jon Ceglar to GMHBA Stadium.

Lions football boss Danny Daly said on Friday Brisbane was keen to acquire Fort over rival ruckmen including Levi Casboult and Mason Cox.

Fort didn’t play a senior game this year but the 28-year-old would be a perfect ruck-forward backup for Oscar McInerney as the club awaits Eric Hipwood’s return from an ACL tear.

The Lions are keen to go to the draft with their two top-20 selections and have a tight cap that will preclude a big play for a high-priced player.

Daly told SEN on Friday Fort was the club’s trade target with the Lions not pursuing Collingwood’s Cox.

Geelong will actively chase Hawthorn’s Ceglar in coming days if Fort leaves, with Hawthorn prepared to pay as much as $200,000 of the 30-yearold’s 2022 salary.

Ceglar is keen to get to Geelong instead of Western Bulldogs, who also have interest in a back-up ruckman.

His back-end of the year was excellent and the Cats would significantly upgrade their ruck department after resigning Rhys Stanley in recent weeks.