HIS first choice may be unrealistic but Dayne Zorko is hopeful Brisbane Lions recruitment staff nab a big name recruit to bolster their midfield next year.
"I like Gary Ablett, can we get him?" asked Zorko on Tuesday.
However, the gun midfielder was deadly serious when he candidly threw out a potential shopping list of players who would make a difference at the rebuilding club.
The Lions look set to get the cheque-book out after Saturday night's season finale at Geelong, with new CEO Greg Swann claiming the club has "an incredible amount" available to spend on big name players.
Zorko backed speculation that the Lions should target Collingwood premiership player Dayne Beams, brother of current Lion Claye.
The Lions have a man Zorko tipped would earn All-Australian selection this year - vice-captain Tom Rockliff - and have Daniel Rich (knee) and Jack Redden (ankle) set to return from injury next year.
But Zorko said their midfield still needed a boost.
"You are always looking for depth, guys who can come in and play a role for your team," he said.
"Someone like a (Western Bulldog) Ryan Griffen or a Dayne Beams, a (Matt) Priddis (West Coast) - anyone of that calibre, just a big body that can help us out.
"But I will let our recruitment staff worry about that."
Zorko said 2014 had been a "rollercoaster ride" but he was pleased the depleted Lions (7-14 record; 15th) had managed to split the second half of the year 6-6 while blooding nine debutants.
He said the return of Rich, Redden, Matthew Leuenberger, Trent West and Brent Staker from injury had also provided hope for 2015.
But he claimed the Lions weren't done with the 2014 season yet - they wanted to provide nuisance value to top-four team Geelong on Saturday night.
A Lions win could relegate the Cats to fourth and a dreaded interstate trip to Sydney for the opening finals week.
"We can change who they can play in the first week of finals, that's our intention," Zorko said.