The Brisbane Lions were today advised by The AFL Commission that the Club would be awarded a Priority Pick after round one (currently pick 19) for the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, under the Special Assistance Rule.

The AFL Commission accepted a joint recommendation from AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon and AFL General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans that a pick be awarded to the Club, which finished 17th on the ladder.

The Lions have won one of two finals it has played since 2004 and has not finished higher than 12th since 2009.

The AFL had received a request for formal consideration from the Brisbane Lions for an extra selection at this year’s NAB AFL Draft, after also having received a request from the Club last year that was denied.

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said the Club was pleased to receive a priority pick and was now focused on adding more talent to the playing list.

“In the past fortnight we have appointed a new Senior Coach in Chris Fagan and a new GM of Footy in David Noble, and the announcement of a priority pick adds to the momentum building behind our new start as a Club,” said Swann.

“We now have four picks in the 30, which will give us a strong hand and plenty of flexibility heading into the trade period and draft.

“Our aim as a Club is to become relevant in the footy world again – adding talent both on and off the field are key to that, and today’s decision by the AFL will assist in that process.”

The Commission ruled the Lions had met the requirements as outlined under the wording of AFL Rule 19.2 (Special Assistance), when considering the Club’s current age and list profile, and recent player movement both in and out of the Club:

The rule reads as follows:

19.2 Special Assistance

(a) At the conclusion of the Home and Away Matches in each Football Year, the Commission may determine in its absolute discretion that a Club is entitled to one or more priority selections at the next occurring National Draft Selection Meeting. Such right to one or more priority draft selections shall be exercisable during the Draft as directed by the Commission.

(b) The Commission will exercise its discretion under this Rule 19 only in exceptional circumstances taking into account a recommendation from the AFL Executive, the recent on field performance of a Club and any other matter the Commission in its absolute discretion regards relevant.

The Club was notified of the AFL’s decision today, and the indicative order for the 2016 NAB AFL Draft will be issued before the commencement of next week’s Trade Period.