BRISBANE forward Tom Berry is set for a cross to state rival Gold Coast after requesting a trade to the Suns.
Berry, the younger brother of Lions star Jarrod, is out of contract and has struggled to break into the Lions' team consistently this season, playing only three games in 2022.
AFL.com.au revealed the Suns' interest in Berry this week and it is understood he informed the Lions of his desire to be traded to Gold Coast for more opportunities as the Suns search to add to their small forward ranks.
TRADE HUB All the latest player movement news
The Suns will lose gun small forward Izak Rankine to Adelaide but have also been in the market for a pressure player, with Berry's speed and tenacity a key part of his game.
"We see Tom coming in to be a pressure forward for us. We're a side that obviously likes to keep the ball in our forward half and can see that Tom would come in and really assist us in that. He's an ultra-competitive player, he's got good speed and he loves to tackle so he has all the attributes as a pressure forward," Suns list boss Craig Cameron told Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio's Trade Exchange on Thursday.
"And he's a high-quality young man so we think he'd really add to our group."
Berry has played 20 games for the Lions since being drafted by the Lions at the end of 2018 and had been offered a contract by Brisbane.
The Lions confirmed Berry's trade request later on Thursday, saying they'd hoped to retain him but understood his reasons for seeking a move.
“It is tough to lose someone like Tom, as he is not only a talented young player but also a great person who has been a popular member of our club,” Brisbane football boss Danny Daly said.
“Tom was able to play a handful of games for us this year and he showed some promising signs before his season was cut short due to injury.
“We hoped he would stay with us, but we understand his reasons for moving on and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Clubs have been looking at the Lions' depth players this season, with Deven Robertson having interest through the year but breaking back into the senior team for its finals series.