THE BRISBANE Lions have cut seven players from their list ahead of the upcoming AFL trade and free agency period.
Andrew Raines, James Polkinghorne, Jordan Lisle and Patrick Wearden have all been delisted, along with rookies Nick Hayes, Sam Michael and Isaac Conway.
They come on the back of the retirements of Jonathan Brown, Brent Moloney and Ash McGrath to make it the second successive season with sweeping changes at the club.
Raines told AFL.com.au last week he was keen to continue his 123-game career, while it is believed Polkinghorne – who has played 94 games – is eager to return to his home state of Victoria.
After being a prime mover in the Lions' midfield for the previous three seasons as a tagger, Raines was reduced to playing just four games – where he averaged 19 disposals - in 2014 under new coach Justin Leppitsch.
The 28-year-old said he was eager to explore any opportunities that opened up to extend his career.
Polkinghore has been at the Lions seven years, and stayed on in 2014 despite initially wanting to leave at the end of last season.
He played just two games – in rounds six and seven – before being consigned to the NEAFL.
The 25-year-old finished the season with ankle surgery and is likely to return to Melbourne.
Lisle has been in Brisbane three years, but failed to make an impact as a key forward despite the Lions crying out for players in that position.
Following three years – and five games – at Hawthorn, he came to the Gabba and played another 18, including five this year.
Wearden was taken with pick No.47 in the 2011 AFL Draft but after a raft of injuries over his three years, failed to play a senior game.
In total, the Lions made 13 changes to their list at the end of 2013, bringing in the likes of Trent West, Luke McGuane and Jackson Paine from other clubs and James Aish, Lewy Taylor and Darcy Gardiner via the draft.
The Lions finished 15th this season with a 7-17 record.
