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NEGOTIATIONS on a new deal for young Brisbane Lions forward Josh Schache will ramp up in 2017, club list manager Peter Schwab says.

The No.2 selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft's contract expires at the end of next season.

"He seems very happy around the group and has settled in well to life in Brisbane," Schwab told AFL.com.au's NAB AFL Draft Countdown Show.

"We think in the new year we can make some real progress (with his contract).

"He's essential for us as a long-term player and has had one year under difficult circumstances, so hopefully with a bit more support around him and another year on his body and training, he'll show how good a player he really is in the next couple of years."

The Lions lost five young players at the end of 2013 in Sam Docherty, Elliot Yeo, Jared Polec, Billy Longer and Patrick Karnezis.

Skipper Tom Rockliff was on the brink of leaving the club recently but club and player agreed he would fulfill his contract, which runs until the end of next year, ut the Lions have yet to determine who will lead the side in 2017.

New coach Chris Fagan is allowing different players to trial the role to see how they respond.

"He's putting a few players in charge over the pre-season and giving them opportunities to see how they go," Schwab said.

The club is predicted to select Hugh McCluggage at No.3, who AFL.com.au draft expert Callum Twomey rated as the best player of this year's crop.

Schwab said the Lions went to Ballarat to meet with McCluggage late in the year.

"He's a great midfield option for us who can go forward and kick goals. He's only a kid, so whenever you bring young players in, it takes a little bit of time.

"What he's shown at the level he's played at, he's on the road to being a very good AFL player if he continues," he said.