Lethal Wants Bradshaw and Notting To Stay
Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews said in an interview that the Lions were finals contenders next season and that he wanted Bradshaw, Notting and McDonald to stay with Brisbane.
When asked about the expectations for next season, Matthews pointed out that with a full season of Brown and Lappin they were close to the finals. For this to happen the Lions will have to keep some of their younger veterans, and he expects them to "be playing for Brisbane Lions next year". But Bradshaw, Notting and McDonald have all been linked to moves out of Queensland.
"Play it by ear, that's what trade week is all about", was Matthews strategy for next week. But if there is one definite for next week it is that Brisbane will be trading some players for picks, but also trying to find a bargain player to acquire. Don't expect any news about Akermanis on Monday unless the Bulldogs start with a big offer to Brisbane.
With the many player retirements for the Lions it is something that won't hurt the Lions too much, according to Matthews, and he said they "always knew this was going to happen". But he is a bit surprised about Mal Michael, who is younger than Voss and Leppitsch. Matthews said, "Mal had plenty of good footy in him."
When the trading officially starts tomorrow it will be Brisbane who are the focus. Akermanis, Notting and Bradshaw could all return the Lions top 30 draft picks, and with quality in the draft still available in round 3 the Lions could setup their future with a bunch of extra picks.
When asked about the expectations for next season, Matthews pointed out that with a full season of Brown and Lappin they were close to the finals. For this to happen the Lions will have to keep some of their younger veterans, and he expects them to "be playing for Brisbane Lions next year". But Bradshaw, Notting and McDonald have all been linked to moves out of Queensland.
"Play it by ear, that's what trade week is all about", was Matthews strategy for next week. But if there is one definite for next week it is that Brisbane will be trading some players for picks, but also trying to find a bargain player to acquire. Don't expect any news about Akermanis on Monday unless the Bulldogs start with a big offer to Brisbane.
With the many player retirements for the Lions it is something that won't hurt the Lions too much, according to Matthews, and he said they "always knew this was going to happen". But he is a bit surprised about Mal Michael, who is younger than Voss and Leppitsch. Matthews said, "Mal had plenty of good footy in him."
When the trading officially starts tomorrow it will be Brisbane who are the focus. Akermanis, Notting and Bradshaw could all return the Lions top 30 draft picks, and with quality in the draft still available in round 3 the Lions could setup their future with a bunch of extra picks.
