Brisbane Lions Coach Chris Fagan strongly believes that first-round draft picks should sign initial contracts of up to four years to enable younger players the ability to develop a sense of establishment with one Club.
Speaking to media at a press conference ahead of the Lions match against Adelaide at the Gabba, Fagan said player’s should be expected to stay put, initially.
“I particularly think for first-round draft picks, it should be three to four years at least before they can consider moving somewhere else, unless there's some extenuating circumstances," Fagan said.
Fagan responded to questions regarding second-year Lions forward Josh Schache, who is out of contract at season's end.
"Club’s invest a lot in those first-round picks, and if you've got the opportunity to keep them for longer, guaranteed, from a club perspective, that would be fantastic.”
"To be thinking about your future two years into a start at a new place and whether you want to go somewhere else is borderline ridiculous."
The key forward has been dropped for Saturday night's match against Adelaide after struggling for most of his six matches this season.
Meanwhile, Lions captain Dayne Beams will make his return from a quad injury against Adelaide on Saturday.
Fagan was optimistic about Beams return, acknowledging the influential impact the player has upon the team.
“It’s great to have Beams back.”
“He’s had a great year leading up until the injury. He is very enthusiastic about this weekend and will provide great leadership.”
The last time the Crows and Lions met, in Round 20 of 2016, the Lions were served a crushing loss.
Fagan believes that this weekend’s match will be a great opportunity to prove to the opposition that the Lions are hungry to earn back some of the respect lost in previous matches.
“Adelaide have given us some severe beltings over the past three years and we are certainly in the business of earning back some respect back from them.”
“Win, loss or draw, we want them (the Crows) to walk away with a view that the Brisbane team that they’ve played in recent times is a stronger unit that it has been in the past.”
