The Brisbane Lions have advised five players that they will not be offered a playing contract for the 2019 AFL season.

Rohan Bewick, Claye Beams, Tom Bell, Marco Paparone and Jake Barrett were informed by Lions Football staff earlier this morning.

General Manager of Football David Noble paid tribute to the players’ commitment during their time at the Lions.

“All have contributed to the growth and improvement of our Club both on and off the field,” Noble said.

“It is unfortunate to let great men go. We wish them well for what lies ahead in their future.

“The Club will continue to provide support and direction for the players in this transitional phase.”

Bewick played 103 games for the Lions in his eight seasons at the Gabba. The 28-year old was recruited to the Lions from West Perth in 2010. He celebrated his 100^th AFL game milestone in 2017 and kicked 71 goals for the Lions throughout his career. In 2018 he played three Senior games. 

Beams played 54 AFL games and kicked 27 goals across eight seasons for the Lions but his career was hampered by multiple injuries. In 2018 the 27-year-old did not play a Senior game but was a joint winner of the 2018 Neville Fallon Award for the NEAFL’s Best and Fairest player.

Bell was traded to the Lions in 2015 after four seasons at Carlton. The Queenslander played sixteen games for the Lions in his first season before requiring surgery on his knee. In 2017 he played six Senior games before suffering a season-ending injury while playing for the Lions NEAFL team. In 2018 Bell played one Senior game in Round 1 against St Kilda.

Paparone was the Lions' 23^rd pick at the 2012 AFL Draft, recruited from East Fremantle. An athletic utility, he played 55 Senior games over six years. Over the past three seasons, Paparone suffered several injuries, which restricted his time on the field.

Barrett came to the Club in 2016 as a rookie after three seasons with the GWS Giants. The midfielder played 17 AFL games in his first year at the Club. In 2018 he played five Senior matches.