BRISBANE Lions football director Leigh Matthews has given James Aish a simple ultimatum – re-sign or face going into the draft.
Aish, the out of contract 19-year-old, has yet to decide on his future despite a new offer from the Lions sitting on the table for most of the year.
Speaking on Adelaide radio station FiveAA on Wednesday, Matthews said he was confident the South Australian would recommit at the Lions, but had bad news if he didn't.
"James Aish will either be playing at the Lions or he'll be going into the draft, he won't be traded, that I can guarantee you," Matthews said.
Speaking on SEN later that afternoon, club CEO Greg Swann backed Matthews, saying the Lions had been burnt too often in the past.
At the end of 2013, they lost five first round draft picks who were all traded back to their home states, getting an assortment of second round draft picks in return.
Aish was selected with pick No.7 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
"Our view is, it's been a bit too easy to walk away from Brisbane and we probably haven't got the value for the people that have left," Swann said.
"The longer it goes, I think the more likely he is to stay.
"He's a good player, he's a good kid, he's an early draft pick and we'd absolutely like him to stay."
Since the season finished, Aish has spoken directly to coach Justin Leppitsch, assistant Simon Black and new welfare manager Craig Lambert as the club strives to keep him.
Aish has played 32 games in his two seasons, but was dogged by injury and inconsistent form this year.
