Trade talk: Fagan unsurprised by growing interest in unsigned Lion

Brisbane's Will McLachlan has garnered serious interest around the AFL, and it comes as no surprise to coach Chris Fagan.

After booting eight straight goals in a recent VFL game, the Lions forward has been the subject of interest from a number of Victorian clubs, with both Carlton and Essendon looming ahead of his contract expiration at the end of this year.

Having played just seven senior games with just one single appearance this season, McLachlan remains on the outer at the Lions, with all of Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann and Zac Bailey occupying similar roles at the top level.

And while interest continues to grow around the competition, Fagan won't be forcing the young gun into the senior setup in attempt to keep him at the club long-term.

“I hope he does (stay), but I understand the interest,” Fagan told SEN Breakfast.

“Our situation is that we’ve got a lot of guys that play in a similar position to him that are doing similar things at AFL level.

“You’ve got Charlie Cameron and Kai Lohmann. Zac Bailey is a small forward a lot of the time.

“We’re blessed with options in that area, and our smaller midfielders are also pretty capable around goal.

“It’s been a challenge for him to get into the team. That’s the issue for him.

“We are obviously quite aware of his capabilities and his form, but he’s just got to force his way in.

“In the meantime, I guess other clubs will be having a look at him for good reason.”

SEN's Sam Edmund reported a few weeks ago that McLachlan was the subject of interest from the Blues and Bombers, with Garry Lyon giving the 21-year-old a strong wrap.

“I like him. I think he’s a senior AFL player,” Lyon said.

“It’s hard (for him). You’ve got (Kai) Lohmann, you’ve got (Cam) Rayner, you’ve got Charlie (Cameron), and all these other types. He’s a good mover.

“Essendon, if they’re not falling over themselves…”

McLachlan has booted 31.16 in 10 VFL games for the Lions this season including bags of 8.0 against North Melbourne in Round 18 and 7.0 against Frankston in Round 10.