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What's live on SN this weekendTrade talk: Draper officially a Lion while Mihocek confirms trade request
SEN • October 4th, 2025 5:29 pm
Sam Draper is now officially a Brisbane Lions player, with his free agency compensation having been confirmed by the AFL on Saturday.
It had been widely expected that the Essendon ruckman, who has not played since Round 6 due to a ruptured Achilles, would leave the side, having told Bombers officials of his intent to play for Brisbane last month.
The Lions weren’t the only side that had Draper in their sights, with the Crows having also been in the frame to bring the 27-year-old back home.
But according to Channel 9’s and SEN regular Tom Morris, who spoke on this when Draper confirmed his intent to join the Lions, the ruckman felt he would have a better chance of playing in a starting role there compared to the Crows.
“The fact that the Crows came hard and he's initially from Adelaide made him think more than twice about joining them and Reilly O'Brien in that same team, the Crows believed they could fit them both in,” he said in September.
“But in the end, he decided to join the Lions, who are in the premiership window.
“There are real doubts around Oscar McInerney's durability with his back and how long he can play for, even though he's contracted for next year.
Following confirmation of Draper’s move, it has triggered a Band 2 compensation pick for Essendon, which currently sits at Pick 20.
That will mean that the Bombers now have three picks within the first round of the AFL Draft.
Collingwood’s Brody Mihocek has also announced his intention to move from the Magpies.
It has been confirmed by the club that he will play for Melbourne in 2026, with the 2023 Premiership player moving as a unrestricted free agent.
