Is Luke Hodge the man who can lift the Lions? It's a left-field scenario but one that has been tried before.
In 1995 Doug Hawkins played 21 games for Fitzroy, including making his 300th appearance. Dermott Brereton the fiery centre half-forward switched to Sydney, then Collingwood, after winning five premierships with the Hawks. Nicky ‘Elvis’ Winmar kicked kicked the third most goals for the Bulldogs in 1999 after crossing from the Dogs.
While the above scenarios are different to the Lions' interest in Hodge - who is wanted for his leadership and ultimately coaching prowess - stars crossing to rival clubs late in their career is not new. Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis are living proof.
SEN news breaker Sam McClure says that it’s something the Brisbane Lions wouldn’t be against, in a role similar to Mitchell at the West Coast Eagles this year.
“Two weeks ago Mark Evans confirmed the Gold Coast Suns had approached Hodge (and) now the Brisbane Lions are very keen at looking at Hodge for a position both on and off-field,” he told SEN Breakfast.
"I’m not saying he is going, I’m saying they (Brisbane) are keen on it.
“He hasn’t signed his media contracts (for 2018) yet. Make of it what you will.
"He’s got close relationships with (Gold Coast Suns CEO) Mark Evans and (Brisbane coach) Chris Fagan, both clubs who are in need of a senior leader."
McClure previously reported Hodge was being targeted by the Suns in a similar manner to the Lions.
There have been varying levels of success for similar moves throughout the years. Hawthorn's decision to bring Port Adelaide premeirship player Stuart Dew out of retirement in 2008 was originally met with raised eyebrows, however his outstanding performance in the Grand Final that year proved doubters wrong.
However flops have been common. One of the most notable being Carlton's decision to give away a first and fourth round draft pick for Collingwood champion Mick McGuane, who went on to play an uninspiring three games for the Blues in 1997.
The first round pick the Magpies recieved was eventually used in a trade deal to bring star forward Anthony Rocca to the club from Sydney.
It is doubtful that Hodge extends his playing career but, if the past is anything to go by, it’s not completely out of the realms of possibility.