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THE FUTURE of Brisbane Lions skipper Tom Rockliff remains clouded after meeting new coach Chris Fagan, Lions list manager Peter Schwab says.
However, there is now more clarity around fellow Lions star Pearce Hanley, whom Schwab expects to find his way to Gold Coast.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Lions confirmed on their website that Rockliff and his manager Tom Petroro had met with Fagan and new football manager David Noble, with Noble revealing only that the quartet had "a wide-ranging conversation" in which both parties sought each other's views.
However, Schwab, who emphasised that he was a second-hand source, opened up more on the meeting and its possible outcomes.
"By all accounts it went well," Schwab told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Thursday morning.
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"David and Chris basically spoke to Tommy about what they'd heard and what had been done in the last 12 months in regards to Tom, and Tom had an opportunity, not to defend himself, but to say whether that did or did not (happen), (and) what he thought about the footy club," Schwab said.
"Because Tom's been a captain and a great player for the Brisbane Lions –he's been there a long time – he was forthcoming in saying where he thought the footy club was at, and I guess Chris and David were saying, 'Well, this is where we want to take it'."
Schwab also suggested Rockliff, 26, could remain with the Lions.
"I think it's been a situation that Tom's had to explore other options, but I have no doubt that if Tom stays with the Brisbane Lions that that's fine," he said.
"Certain things would probably have to change in some ways because you've got a new coach and a new regime, but Tom's a professional footballer, he's in the last year of a contract with us, (and) he prides himself on playing well and the proof's in the pudding with Tom – he's always performed well when he gets out on the footy field."
Schwab said Hanley, 27, was likely to join Gold Coast after the Suns complete deals to trade out wantaway pair Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia.
"We're happy to look at it, so I'm sure something will probably happen in that space," he said.
A Hanley switch would likely add another first-round pick for either 2016 or 2017 to the Lions' growing draft arsenal after they traded picks two, 31, 51 and 60 to Greater Western Sydney in exchange for selections three and 16 earlier on Thursday morning
The Lions now hold four of the top 21 picks in next month's NAB AFL Draft.
"We will certainly get a player that we want at (No.) 3, so we're happy," said Schwab, who added that they considering "about four" players for their first pick.
Schwab said the Lions had several holes on their inexperienced list but their prime focus was to strengthen their midfield.
He confirmed that Collingwood's Jack Frost would join the Lions, with a deal still to be finalised.
Meanwhile, small forward Josh Green hasn't been offered a contract by the Lions.
"Currently Josh is uncontracted, so that's probably where he sits. At the end of the trade period we'll have to make a decision on that," Schwab said.
