Career of Jonathan Brown coming to a close in the AFL.
Brisbane utility Daniel Merrett has urged the club not to chase a quick-fix solution to their lack of depth up front as the side begin to look to season 2014.
In the wake of the foot injury to star forward Jonathan Brown, Merrett said blooding rising stars rather than trying to lure a free-agent to the club would ensure more long-term success.
“What our forward line is going to look like when the day comes and Jon Brown’s not around – you’ve just got to get a young guy in there and give him lots of games and let him grow,” Merrett said.
“It would be pretty hard to get a key position forward from another club because they cost a fair bit and don’t grow on trees.
“It was good that big ‘Goose’ (Matt) Maguire got down there and showed a bit (against St Kilda), and ‘Stakes’ (Brent Staker) has been playing some really consistent footy.
“We have options down there and it’s good that we are able to share the load a little bit and not be so predictable.”
If the club listens to Merrett and steer clear of the idea of luring a big name star north of the border, then it will go against the Lions’ recent recruitment strategy
Brisbane has previously tried to lure former Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett, ex-Collingwood big man Chris Dawes and Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt to head north.
While the Lions threw an AFL lifeline to Brendon Fevola after he fell out with the Carlton Blues, with the move backfiring for the player and the club alike.
The Lions have a mixed run through to the end of the season, with games against Richmond, Greater Western Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Geelong presenting them with mixed opportunities to finish higher than their current position of 12th.
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