Here’s a bombshell for AFL fans: Victorian clubs are gearing up to make lucrative offers for Brisbane’s premiership star Zac Bailey, who’s left the door open to exploring free agency. But here’s where it gets controversial—could this move disrupt the Lions’ dynasty, or is it just the natural ebb and flow of the sport? Let’s dive in.
The buzz around Bailey comes as the Lions face another setback with Sam Draper, the former Essendon player who joined Brisbane for a fresh start. Draper, plagued by injuries in the past, is now sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a stress reaction in his right foot. And this is the part most people miss—Draper’s absence could force the Lions to reshuffle their ruck strategy just as the season kicks off on March 7 against the Western Bulldogs.
Draper’s injury saga continues a frustrating pattern. After missing the Lions’ intra-club match on the Sunshine Coast, scans confirmed the issue, and he’s now in a moon boot. The club estimates a six to eight-week recovery, but with no senior games under his belt since an Achilles injury last year, Draper’s AFL return could be nearly a year in the making. For a player craving a fresh start, this delay is a tough pill to swallow.
Meanwhile, Bailey’s situation is equally intriguing. The 26-year-old match-winning forward, who kicked 42 goals last season (his fifth straight year topping 20 goals), has struggled to secure a spot in the Lions’ star-studded midfield. As a free agent, he’s in no rush to decide his future, mirroring Hugh McCluggage’s approach in 2024. Victorian clubs, including Essendon, are circling, but will Bailey stay or go? Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is Bailey’s potential departure a sign of the Lions’ depth, or a warning of cracks in their premiership armor?
The Lions’ off-season has been anything but quiet. Lachie Neale’s decision to step down as co-captain following his public marriage breakdown has added another layer of complexity. The club has stated they won’t fight to keep him if he chooses to return to Western Australia to be closer to his children. With so much uncertainty, fans are left wondering: What’s next for this premiership-winning team?
As the AFL world watches, one thing’s clear—the Lions’ ability to navigate these challenges will define their 2026 season. What do you think? Is Bailey’s potential move a smart career choice, or a risky gamble? And can the Lions overcome these hurdles to defend their title? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to sign up for the Real Footy newsletter to stay ahead of all the AFL action!
