Young midfielder James Aish may not be kissing the Lions goodbye after all.
The 19-year-old had been widely tipped by media outlets to depart the Gabba when his contract expired at the end of this season.
But the Courier-Mail has reported that his actions in the past few days have given Brisbane a slight ray of hope that Aish, who met with senior coach Justin Leppitsch last week, may do a backflip and remain a Lion.
Aish did not tell the club he wanted a trade when he fronted the coaching staff for his end-of-season review earlier this week.
He also attended the team meeting at the end of the individual season reviews. Players leaving clubs rarely attend those forward-planning meetings.
Aish was present at the team’s “Wacky Wednesday’’ celebrations, dressed as KISS bass player Gene Simmons.
“Aishy hasn’t told us he is leaving,’’ said Lions List Manager Peter Schwab.
“If he wants to stay, that would be great.’’
No Lions player requested a trade during the season reviews. They still can request a trade ahead of the AFL Trade Period beginning on October 12 but Brisbane are confident there will be no exodus.
The only contracted player to have done so is midfielder Jack Redden who informed the club last week.
Brisbane have still not given up hope of changing Redden’s mind.
