Brisbane are in the box seat to secure Sam Draper as an unrestricted free agent this off-season, as Essendon await a definitive call on his playing future.

The 26-year-old today had his exit meeting with the Bombers, five days after their final home-and-away match for 2025 against Gold Cost last Wednesday.

The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark reported his intended exit from Essendon on Monday evening, before Essendon released a brief statement via General Manager Daniel McPherson stating that Draper had not yet made a definitive decision.

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“Sam Draper had his exit meeting this afternoon and advised the club that he has not made a decision on his playing future,” McPherson said.

“He is still weighing up his decision and will let the club know once he has made his decision.”

In line with Clark’s report, foxfooty.com.au also understands Draper remains likely to leave his club of nine years, as well as turn his back on interest from Adelaide in favour of the Lions.

As an unrestricted free agent, the Bombers would receive compensation as part of any exit from Tullamarine.

It comes a week after West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen informed the Eagles of his desire to explore his options as a restricted free agent, which will almost certainty see him join the Lions.

Draper’s final game at Essendon came in Round 6 of this year against West Coast, where the 26-year-old unfortunately ruptured his Achilles.

At 205cm, the 78-gamer will be a major boost to the Lions, who have managed the ongoing restrictions with Oscar McInerney this season — playing just 11 of Brisbane’s 23 home-and-away matches.

At 31 years of age, he and premiership player Darcy Fort (32) have entered the twilight stage of their career as the club’s two main ruckmen, and sheds light on how the Lions have come to be a great suitor for Draper.

Essendon only two weeks ago re-signed young ruck pairing Nick Bryan and Vigo Visentini on two-year deals until the end of 2027.