THE BRISBANE Lions have expressed interest in retired Western Bulldogs ruckman Ben Hudson.
With veteran Jamie Charman calling an end to his playing days and versatile tall Mitch Clark requesting a trade, the Lions are keen to find help for No. 1 ruckman Matthew Leuenberger.
Lions national talent manager Rob Kerr says Hudson, who although retired is currently still on the Bulldogs' list, is an option.
"If Mitch moves, we need back-up support for Matthew Leuenberger," Kerr said before the start of trade talks at Etihad Stadium on Monday morning.
"There's a number of ruckmen available, and Ben's one of those ruckmen.
"It's a bit early to pre-empt it, but we'll see what comes out of it."
Melbourne newspaper The Age reported on Monday that Hudson, a former Queenslander, had intended to move home and play for Southport next year.
The 32 year-old played 143 games with the Bulldogs and Adelaide, including 17 in 2011.
He announced his retirement after being dropped for the round 22 clash with Port Adelaide, and was given a farewell match against Fremantle in round 24.
Kerr also said the Lions would play tough over Clark, who wants to return to his home state of Western Australia and play with Fremantle.
"We've said all along, he's pick nine, he's played up around 80 games, there's got to be a first round draft pick involved in that I would've thought," Kerr said.
Kerr said the Lions would enquire about Adelaide key forward Kurt Tippett (another Queenslander), but didn't expect the Crows would agree to a deal.
"We'd be interested in Kurt Tippett," he said.
"Adelaide are obviously very keen to retain him, but we'll wait and see.
"That's what this week's all about. We'll see what happens."
No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Monday, October 17.
Follow our complete coverage of the 2011 AFL exchange period from October 10-17. Join the AFL trade conversation on Twitter: use #tradeweek in your tweets.
