Trade talk: Unsigned Lion catching the eye of Victorian giants

Brisbane’s Will McLachlan is attracting attention from some Victorian clubs.

SEN’s Sam Edmund is reporting that the 21-year-old Lions forward, who is without a deal for 2027, is on both Essendon and Carlton’s radar.

McLachlan, picked up from Geelong Falcons in the 2024 mid-season draft, bagged eight goals in the VFL on the weekend.

“Will McLachlan has played only seven games including one this year. He’s a 2024 mid-season pickup who kicked eight in the VFL,” Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.

“He’s a mid-sized forward, the Lions like him but he’s out of contract. Carlton have an interest in him, Essendon have been linked as well.”

Garry Lyon is a fan of the 185cm left-footer and reckons a club like the Bombers should be falling over themselves to lure him back to Victoria.

“I like him. I think he’s a senior AFL player,” Lyon said.

“It’s hard (for him). You’ve got (Kai) Lohmann, you’ve got (Cam) Rayner, you’ve got Charlie (Cameron), and all these other types. He’s a good mover.

“Essendon, if they’re not falling over themselves…”

Edmund added: “Well they are, and Carlton are also in the mix here.

“There’s a couple of other clubs that are definitely at the table.

“Brisbane like him but at the moment he’s unsigned.”

McLachlan played six AFL games last year, kicking two goals on debut against West Coast in Round 2.

He’s played just once at senior level in 2026 for a career total of seven outings for four goals.

The Colac product has kicked 27 goals in eight VFL appearances this year.