PEARCE Hanley is "a long way" from leaving the Brisbane Lions but his manager Paul Connors says the club should consider all options during the upcoming NAB AFL Trade Period.
The Lions half-back has been linked to a possible move away from the club as it looks to add more top-end draft picks in a bid to fast-track a rebuild.
A newspaper report on Wednesday suggested Hanley might be on the move to Gold Coast.
Hanley struggled for form at stages throughout the Lions’ dismal season, but has star qualities and had back-to-back top-three finishes in the club's best and fairest in 2012-13.
Connors said it was unlikely a move would be made for Hanley to exit the Lions, who presently hold pick No.2 for November's national draft, particularly given the Irishman's brother Cian is on the club's rookie list. But the influential player manager didn't rule it out.
"I think more than likely he'll be there but trade month is a funny period," Connors said on Tuesday at the launch of NAB AFL Trade Radio.
"He's been away. He's an extremely loyal young man and his brother plays at the club, so it would have to be something that enticed both parties for him to leave.
"I've barely spoken to him. I got a text from him yesterday saying he's back [in Australia on] Thursday, so watch this space. He hasn't requested a trade and Brisbane hasn't asked me to trade him. It's a long way from happening."
Connors said if the Lions were looking to add more early picks to their arsenal ahead of the draft after a bottom-two finish this season, then they should explore all options.
"Brisbane is at that stage where they can really go hard and try to get as many picks as they can inside 30," he said.
"It would be remiss of them not to look at opportunities for some senior players. If a really good deal comes, Brisbane should look at it."
>> NAB AFL Trade Radio begins on Monday, October 3, at 8am AEDT
Hanley is contracted to the Lions for another three years.
Meanwhile, Connors confirmed Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke will seek to depart the club with the Magpies keen to free up their salary cap. It is expected Cloke will sign a two-year deal with the Western Bulldogs.
Connors said Cloke has a healthy relationship with Pies coach Nathan Buckley but the pair saw his game differently, and that a deal would likely take an exchange of a later draft pick.
"Collingwood's after a lot of players in this year's trade period and I think they need some salary cap room. I think you'll find both parties come together in a few weeks and work it out," Connors said.
"I think Collingwood wants his money out. It's very mutual, there's a lot of respect. I think Travis has spoken really well – that he's loved the club and really likes 'Bucks' but they're probably just not on the same wavelength from a football perspective.
"I don't think you're going to see pick 35 jump out of any club's pocket into Collingwood's [for Cloke], it's more a free agency type model."
