Lions Captain Tom Rockliff and Dan McStay attended Cannon Hill State School this morning to assist Foodbank Queensland before speaking to the media.
TOM Rockliff says the bulk of the Brisbane Lions playing group are happy, but he acknowledges “this time of the year” will bring continued speculation about players’ futures.
Rockliff spoke to the media today after Jack Redden yesterday formally requested to be traded with one year remaining on his contract.
Rockliff has been best mates with Redden since the pair joined the club before the 2009 season and said he had done everything possible to change the South Australian's mind.
"Majority speaking, I think most of the group's happy, said Rockliff.
"When you get to this time of the season there's always the 'is he going to go, is he not going to go' and there's speculation about a lot of players.
"We don't know until they come and tell us. Reddo is my best mate, so it does make it hard.
"If he's upset, then we need to improve in some areas of our footy to make sure we can retain them and keep players happy."
Brisbane Lions list manager Peter Schwab said the Club still hoped it could change Redden’s mind.
"Jack's contracted to 2016, when he would be a free agent at the end of that period. I can tell you that he's thinking of requesting to move. We're reluctant on that," said Schwab.
"He's an experienced player which we haven't got many of, a 100-game player and [is] very popular around the club and a required player.
"When that happens it's always disappointing. We'll try and talk to Jack and see if we can change his mind but if we can't and that doesn't happen then that gets the ball rolling and we'll see what happens."
Redden's eligibility for free agency next year means if he did stay at the club and then quit next year, the Lions would only receive a compensation pick.
Schwab said they would have to consider doing a deal this year to maximise their return, but that each case needed to be played on its merit.
"We've got Daniel Rich who's a free agent next year and I'd be looking to do something with Daniel before he gets to that point," he said.
Schwab was optimistic ruckman Stefan Martin will remain at the Lions beyond this season after two strong years.
"He's had two great years and I spoke to him the other day. He turns 29 this year but he's only played 90 games and I think the way he looks after himself he could play another five [years]," Schwab said.
"I was trying to suggest to Stef that [he] should look at playing another five years and hopefully playing it with us. At this stage I hope that's the case."
