The Brisbane Lions are excited to welcome Brandon Ryan to the Club for 2024, while farewelling Jack Gunston as part of the trade.

Ryan, an emerging 200-centimetre forward, joins the Lions after a trade was completed with Hawthorn on the final day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

The trade sees the Lions receive Ryan along with picks 39 and 54 in the 2023 NAB AFL Draft, as well as Hawthorn’s future fourth round pick.

In exchange Hawthorn received Gunston and picks 47 and 61 along with Brisbane’s future second round pick.

Ryan,25, played three AFL games with the Hawks in his debut season in 2023, highlighted by an impressive three-goal performance against Collingwood.

Brisbane Lions List Manager, Dom Ambrogio said the Club was thrilled to have Ryan arriving at Brighton Homes Arena.

“Brandon was a promising young player we identified as having real potential that could develop into a key forward in our football program,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming Brandon to the Brisbane Lions and are excited to see him benefit from a strong preseason.

The trade also sees Gunston return to the Hawks, where he played in three premierships, just 12 months after leaving to join the Lions.

Ambrogio said although disappointed with the request, the Club was happy with the trade that improves its position heading to the draft.

“Despite not needing to facilitate a trade due to Jack being a contracted player, the Club was respectful of Jack’s situation and worked to complete a trade that was beneficial for us,” he said.

“Although only with the Brisbane Lions for a brief time, we would like to thank Jack for his contribution to the Club and wish him well for the future.”

The Lions also completed a trade with the Melbourne Football Club last week, seeing Tom Fullarton become a Demon in exchange for pick 47 in the 2023 NAB AFL Draft.