The Brisbane Lions confirm defender Keidean Coleman and forward Will McLachlan have been traded to Essendon and Melbourne respectively.
The club completed both trades on the final day of the 2026 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period to bolster its draft hand by securing Picks 21,27, 45 and a 2027 Round Two Pick.
The Lions also successfully traded with GWS and the Western Bulldogs to obtain Picks 25 and 28 for 2026 and a 2027 Round Two Pick.
Brisbane Lions General Manager Football Danny Daly spoke on what all trades do for the club moving forward.
“While it is always difficult to farewell players, these trades put the club in a very strong position to continue shaping our list for sustained success,” Daly said.
McLachlan, selected with Pick 6 in the 2024 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, was the first trade completed which saw the Lions secure pick 45 and a 2027 Round Two Pick from Melbourne.
The club thanks McLachlan for his commitment and contribution during his time at Brighton Homes Arena.
“Will embraced every opportunity during his time at our club and brought a positive attitude and strong work ethic to the football program,” Daly said.
“We have enjoyed watching Will develop as a player and as a person, and he has built strong relationships across the club.
“We thank Will and his family for their contribution and wish them well for the future.”
The Lions then received Pick 21 and 27 after trading Coleman and Pick 25 to the Bombers.
Coleman, a graduate of the Youi Brisbane Lions Academy, was selected by the Club with pick No.37 in the 2019 AFL Draft – going on to play 79 AFL games.
The defender produced a standout 2023 campaign, where he shared the Lions’ Finals Player of the Year award and finishing runner-up in the Norm Smith Medal voting after an influential performance in the Grand Final.
“Keidean has been part of our football club for a long time, having progressed through our academy before earning his opportunity at AFL level,” Daly said.
“He has provided our members and supporters with some memorable moments, particularly during our 2023 finals campaign, and we thank him for the contribution he has made both on and off the field.
“Keidean, his wife Rylie and their family will always be part of the Lions family, and we wish them all the very best for the next chapter.”
In addition, the Lions traded Pick 20 and 59 to GWS and Pick 42 and 53 to the Bulldogs as part of the club’s other deals on Wednesday.
