THE BRISBANE Lions are hopeful they can retain young midfielder James Aish beyond this season, with the club reportedly prepared to offer a lucrative three-year contract to secure him.
Recruited with pick No.7 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, Aish has been linked with a return home to Adelaide, and the Crows could be in a strong position to lure the 19-year-old.
The Lions are preparing to meet with Aish's manager next month, with reports they could table a deal worth $1.2 million over three seasons.
"We expect to have some discussions with James’ manager Liam Pickering by the end of March," Lions CEO Greg Swann told the Courier Mail.
"We are hopeful of getting a good result."
Aish, who won two SANFL premierships with Norwood before he was drafted, has twice delayed contract talks with the Lions.
The club has maintained it won't rush the All Australian junior to make a decision.
Aish's manager, Liam Pickering, last year said Aish was happy at the Lions and there was no reason why he would not sign with the club once talks resumed.
However, industry sources are tipping star Crow Patrick Dangerfield will not be at Adelaide in 2016, which would free up the Crows' salary cap and allow them to make a lucrative offer for Aish.
