The Brisbane Lions are set to throw their name in the ring for Essendon ruckman Sam Draper, according to SEN’s Sam Edmund.
The 26-year-old, who is currently on the sideline nursing an achilles injury, is reportedly holidaying up in Noosa as he continues to weigh up his options with a handful of clubs beginning to show interest.
Set to become an unrestricted free agent, Draper appeared a lock to remain at Essendon, but with their offer understood to be around the $700,000 mark – a far cry from the $900,000 price tag Draper is chasing - it appears a move either north could be imminent.
“On a break in Noosa, Draper is weighing up a Lions contract about $100,000 a season better than Essendon,” Edmund posted on X.
MORE: Essendon linked with experienced ruckman as Draper departure looms
“Dons want Draper to stay, but won’t be caught in bidding war.”
Draper is widely considered one of the top ruckman in the game when healthy, and Brisbane’s interest comes as no surprise with aging superstars Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort both entering the later stages of their careers.
Sam Draper continues to wrestle with a contract decision that now has Brisbane offering a better deal than Essendon. On a break in Noosa, Draper is weighing up a Lions contract about $100,000 a season better than Essendon's. Lions need ruck reinforcement with concerns over…
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) June 24, 2025
Brisbane has also been one of the favourites to jag West Coast tall Oscar Allen in recent talks, but with Logan Morris emerging as a reliable forward threat, the Lions might be tempted to focus more on solidifying their ruck stocks for the long term.