Lions delist key tall after four years without a game, commit to re-selecting duo in rookie draft
Brisbane has announced the delisting of Connor McFayden after four years on the club’s list without an AFL game.
McFayden was drafted with pick 42 in 2018 and was used both ahead and behind the ball by the Lions in his time in the reserves.
But the club suggested injuries had crulled his opportunity to put his best foot forward.
The Club has informed Connor McFadyen that he will not be offered a contract for next year.
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) October 21, 2022
We'd like to thank him for his 4 years of service and contribution to the side. Final list changes below 📲https://t.co/VbFR7IfAfw
“During his time with the Club Connor showed good form in the VFL, but due to injury had limited opportunities to break into the team at AFL level,” said Brisbane Lions List Manager Dom Ambrogio in a club statement.
“We thank Connor for his contribution to the Club and wish him all the best for the future.”
The club also added that Ryan Lester and Nakia Cockatoo would be taken off the senior list, but with the view for the duo to be re-rookied.
Lester, 30, has played 161 games for Brisbane but just three this year, while Cockatoo has played 15 for the club since joining from Geelong.
On the duo, Amrogio explained: “With there being real pressure for lists spots next season and the Club needing to take enough selections into the draft, we have had to make these changes.
“Both Froggy (Lester) and Nakia live our selfless team-first values, and we thank them for their cooperation in assisting the club in this regard."
The Lions brought in Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston while losing Daniel McStay and Tom Berry in the trade period.
Ambrogio’s list management team also saw the club land a significant amount of draft capital to match bids on father-son prospects Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher.