Brisbane Lions players Ben Keays, Josh Walker and Ryan Bastinac have been told they will not be offered a contract for the 2020 AFL season.
General Manager of Football David Noble said it was a tough decision letting the three players go.
“All three players have been dedicated contributors to our football club on and off the field over the last three to four years and we thank them for their contribution,” he said.
“As young men, they have all been a pleasure to have at our Club where they have been well respected and liked by our playing group.
“It is always hard to let good people go and we would hope that Ryan, Ben and Josh get another opportunity through the delisted free agency mechanism."
Keays, a Hyundai Help for Kids Academy player, was recruited to the Lions with Pick No. 24 at the 2015 National AFL Draft.
He made his debut in Round 6 the following season and would go on to play 30 games in the #1 jumper.
The 22-year-old only managed two AFL games in 2019 but played strong football in the NEAFL. In their Grand Final win, he booted four goals, had 27 disposals and seven tackles.
Walker was traded to the Lions via Geelong in 2015 after playing 33 games with the Cats.
During his tenure at the Lions, he alternated between the forward and backline and played 48 AFL games across four years.
In 2019 he played 11 senior games and was instrumental in the NEAFL’s premiership success.
Bastinac also arrived in the Den in the 2015 Trade Period after playing 121 games for North Melbourne.
Across four seasons at the Club he played 43 games and kicked 27 goals.
In 2019 he played three senior games and was the NEAFL’s Captain on Grand Final Day.
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