The Club wishes to clarify that Jared was an uncontracted player and received significant offers from opposition clubs to secure his services. Quite simply, the Lions could not compete financially with these offers.
As an uncontracted player, Jared had the opportunity to nominate himself for the AFL Draft should the Lions have been unable to meet his financial demands or arrange a suitable trade.
This meant there was a distinct possibility that he could have been drafted by another club without any gain for the Lions.
Given these circumstances, the Club sought to achieve an acceptable trade outcome.
Fortunately the Lions were able to strike a deal with the Gold Coast that saw the Club secure a range of quality draft selections while also adding a promising youngster to our list.
The Club now holds two first round selections in next month’s AFL National Draft (Picks No.5 and No.25) as well as two early second round selections (Picks No.27 and No.31).
National Talent Manager Rob Kerr said the trade deal involving Jared Brennan was made in Club’s best interests.
“Jared received a number of substantial contract offers from other clubs that we simply could not match,” Kerr said.
“The Club would have loved for Jared to stay, but we wish him all the best.”
“He had already signalled his intentions of accepting one of the more lucrative offers, so a trade was the best way for our Club to improve its position.”
“At all times and considering all factors we’ve acted in the best interest of the Club.”
"Being able to secure Pick No.5 is a significant upgrade for us."
"There will be some elite talent among the early selections this year, and we were determined to push up into the early bracket to be certain of drafting one of those players."
“As a result, the Club is in a much stronger position in a compromised draft,” he said.
“We have also been able to add an exciting running wingman / half-forward prospect in Rohan Bewick who has just completed his first season of senior WAFL football.”
The Club acknowledges the significant contribution that Jared Brennan has made to the Brisbane Lions over eight seasons and understands that he will be sorely missed by our members and supporters.
But our fans can be rest assured that the Club will always act in the best interests of its overall list management strategy and is now looking forward to securing future stars from the upcoming AFL National Draft.
