THE POSSIBLE addition of Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge to the Brisbane Lions' backline would fill a "need" while aiding the development of promising full-back Harris Andrews, star midfielder Dayne Zorko says.
Lions football manager David Noble has put his club's interest in the four-time premiership Hawk on the record, with Hodge's close relationship with Chris Fagan playing a key role in any possible deal.
Hodge, 33, retired at the end of the season after 305 matches.
Zorko told reporters at the Footy Festival in Yarra Park on Thursday that the possible move, which would likely see Hodge transition to coaching after his playing career finished, would be a boon for the Lions.
"I believe it's more … helping to become a coach later on in his career, which is perfect and something that we need," Zorko said.
"We need a little bit more experience down in our backline. Harris Andrews did a fantastic job this year, but I reckon it would be great if someone like Luke Hodge was able to come to the club and help with his development as well in the leadership space."
Zorko admitted he wasn't across a lot of the details of the proposed move.
"It's all pretty fresh really, isn't it? We don't know a hell of a lot about the situation at all, but it's exciting that someone like Luke Hodge is interested in coming to our football club," he said.
With trade rumours swirling around the Lions' No. 2 selection from 2015, Josh Schache, Zorko said he expected the key forward to stay in Brisbane.
Schache ended months of speculation by penning a two-year deal in June, but talk surrounding a move back to Victoria is rife after he skipped the NEAFL grand final and returned home to Seymour.
"Absolutely (Schache will stay). He's a contracted player at our club," Zorko said.
"He's enjoying himself on holidays at the moment like everyone else, so hopefully he comes back refreshed and ready to get into next year."