Despite initially being pencilled in as a Brisbane Lion next season, Sam Draper’s flight out of Tullamarine may need to be rerouted, if latest reports are to be believed.
Draper is one of the most prized free agents this upcoming off-season, with a number of clubs said to be chasing his signature.
Recent updates had suggested the Essendon ruckman had been convinced of a future in the sunshine state by the reigning premiers, however, a report from Channel Nine’s Sam McClure says a phone call from Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks could spark a late change of heart.
“Sam Draper was picking between Essendon and the Brisbane Lions, both of which had offered long-term deals,” McClure said on Footy Classified.
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“But a phone call from Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks on the weekend directly to Sam Draper, may have just changed things.
“[He’s] seriously reconsidering the Adelaide Crows as a suitor, such was the vigour and excitement that Matthew Nicks had for Sam Draper on that phone call.”
Having been born in South Australia, Adelaide have always been seen as a potential landing spot for Draper.
But the recent re-signing of current ruckman Reilly O’Brien to a three-year deal appeared to many as a sign that they had bowed out of the race for Draper.
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O’Brien is enjoying one of the best years of his career, playing in all 20 games for the Crows as they sit on top of the ladder.
Draper meanwhile has only been able to suit up in five games for the Bombers, after an Achilles injury earlier in the year saw him ruled out for the season.
It was just last week that the 26-year-old was considered to be one of a couple stars set to join the Lions in 2026.
"Oscar Allen, who is a near-certainty now to sign with Brisbane, is going to be joined by Sam Draper," journalist Caroline Wilson told the Agenda Setters last Tuesday.