Trade talk: The big piece that will set up ruck merry-go-round

Sam Draper continues to wrestle with a contract decision that now has Brisbane prepared to offer a better deal than Essendon.

As an unrestricted free agent at seasons end, Draper has drawn interest from Adelaide given his South Australian roots.

But it’s the Lions’ offer that is giving the ruckman - currently holidaying in Noosa with partner Izzy Burgess as he recovers from an Achilles injury - cause for consideration.

Industry sources confirmed the Lions contract is more than $100,000 a season better than Essendon’s four-year offer to stay that Draper has sat on.

The Bombers want Draper to stay at Tullamarine, but won’t be budging on their offer and tempted into a bidding war for the 26-year-old.

Brisbane’s interest stems from concerns around the longevity of ruckman Oscar McInerney, who is battling back and groin problems and struggling to get through games.

With McInerney 31 next month and Darcy Fort 32 the following month, the Lions need an established ruck on the books while Henry Smith, 22, continues to learn the craft.

Draper’s dilemma sits among a pending ruck merry-go-round in this year’s player movement window.

Tom De Koning, Reilly O’Brien, Rohan Marshall and Sean Darcy have all be discussed as potential trade subjects later this year.