The Brisbane Lions confirm the following trade requests and list changes ahead of the 2026 season.
The Brisbane Lions confirm the following trade requests and list changes ahead of the 2026 season.
Dual premiership players Callum Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich have both requested trades to Adelaide and West Coast respectively.
Ah Chee will depart the Club after 124 games across six seasons, while Starcevich leaves Brighton Homes Arena following 132 games since being drafted in 2018.
Tough midfielder Deven Robertson will also depart the Club seeking to join the West Coast Eagles after 47 games in his time at the Lions.
“Whilst it is disappointing to have premiership players and high-quality people leave the organisation, we understand this is the nature of the industry at times.
In light of these requests, we will now work to pursue the best possible outcome for the Brisbane Lions,” list manager Dom Ambrogio said.
The Club can also confirm key forward Sam Day has announced his retirement following 168 games across 15 seasons with both the Lions and Gold Coast SUNS.
Day, who was an inaugural SUNS player, joined the Lions via the 2024 Pre-Season Draft and went on to play 13 games this season including the Qualifying Final.
“Sam is a person of outstanding character that we were fortunate to have at the Brisbane Lions,” Ambrogio said.
“During his time with us he has made an extremely selfless contribution to our Club both on and off the field and played an important role throughout the season which ultimately resulted in a premiership for the club.”
The Club has also informed small forward Darcy Craven and tall Brandon Ryan they will not be offered a contract for next season.
Craven, a 2024 Mid-Season Rookie Draft selection, was unable to break into the AFL side, while Ryan played one game after being traded from Hawthorn in 2023.
“Both Brandon and Darcy showed potential and improvement during their time with the Brisbane Lions and produced some very good performances at VFL level,” Ambrogio said
“We would like to thank all departing players for their tireless effort and valuable contribution to the Brisbane Lions and wish them and their families all the best for the future.”