Restricted Free Agent Zac Bailey

[EBERT THE KING]

Brisbane have just cleared out Ah Chee, Starcevich and will lose Neale in 10 months time.

On top of that, I'd imagine they will be keen to move Hipwoods salary off the books now that they have got Allen, Gallop and Morris as key forwards. Hipwood got massively paid when he signed his big deal. it'll be a salary dump.

Also probably lose Zorko end of this season.

Bailey will get paid handsomely to keep the show rolling in the sunshine state.

 

[mpal6]

Brisbane have just cleared out Ah Chee, Starcevich and will lose Neale in 10 months time.

On top of that, I'd imagine they will be keen to move Hipwoods salary off the books now that they have got Allen, Gallop and Morris as key forwards. Hipwood got massively paid when he signed his big deal. it'll be a salary dump.

Also probably lose Zorko end of this season.

Bailey will get paid handsomely to keep the show rolling in the sunshine state.

Nah Hipwood contract length was massive but pay was not. It was a clever investment from Lions back then - even though there was lot of funny remarks around whether hes really worth a 6 year extension. We made our move knowing it'll lock away a Key Position long term at good value.

 

[EBERT THE KING]

Nah Hipwood contract length was massive but pay was not. It was a clever investment from Lions back then - even though there was lot of funny remarks around whether hes really worth a 6 year extension. We made our move knowing it'll lock away a Key Position long term at good value.

It would have been minimum 800k to 900k per year. He wouldn't have signed it otherwise. 3 years remaining of that after 2026 I can see the Pies or Port Adelaide taking that on if the Lions attach a pick.

Regardless of the amount, i don't see a world where he is at Brisbane beyond 2026. He is surplus now

 

[mpal6]

It would have been minimum 800k to 900k per year. He wouldn't have signed it otherwise. 3 years remaining of that after 2026 I can see the Pies or Port Adelaide taking that on if the Lions attach a pick.

Regardless of the amount, i don't see a world where he is at Brisbane beyond 2026. He is surplus now

Daniher and Neale were on that money back then. Hipwood did his ACL in 2021 and came back midway 2022. He was already contracted for 2023 but rather than waiting to see how the recovery goes, it was a significant show of faith from Lions to give him a 6 year extension at the end of 2022.

He'll be nowhere near that 8-900k mark considering the injury return situation at that time. Hipwood is a QLD boy / academy player for Lions and staying long term would've been a more attractive result for him.

I believe Morris will attract significant offers end of next year so us retaining Hipwood long term is more strategic move for us. He is home grown, happy to stay for less than what he'll get in open market and we'll hang on to him. You may have noticed we have also signed Gallop until 2029 who is also from that QLD / academy background.

 

[EBERT THE KING]

Daniher and Neale were on that money back then. Hipwood did his ACL in 2021 and came back midway 2022. He was already contracted for 2023 but rather than waiting to see how the recovery goes, it was a significant show of faith from Lions to give him a 6 year extension at the end of 2022.

He'll be nowhere near that 8-900k mark considering the injury return situation at that time. Hipwood is a QLD boy / academy player for Lions and staying long term would've been a more attractive result for him.

I believe Morris will attract significant offers end of next year so us retaining Hipwood long term is more strategic move for us. He is home grown, happy to stay for less than what he'll get in open market and we'll hang on to him. You may have noticed we have also signed Gallop until 2029 who is also from that QLD / academy background.

I reckon Essendon, North and Carlton will offer Morris close to 2 million a season.

He would be right up there in terms of potentially gettign the next biggest contract in the league.

 

[mpal6]

I reckon Essendon, North and Carlton will offer Morris close to 2 million a season.

He would be right up there in terms of potentially gettign the next biggest contract in the league.

Yep and if he produces 60+ goal seasons in 26 and 27 - it'll be fair too. I'm secretly hoping he signs another 4 getting him to free agency but we can't match any crazy offers to be honest.

As a 20 year old key forward he led our forward line kicking 53 and getting to second premiership. What he did in 2025 is quite remarkable.

 

[Jirik13]

Daniher and Neale were on that money back then. Hipwood did his ACL in 2021 and came back midway 2022. He was already contracted for 2023 but rather than waiting to see how the recovery goes, it was a significant show of faith from Lions to give him a 6 year extension at the end of 2022.

He'll be nowhere near that 8-900k mark considering the injury return situation at that time. Hipwood is a QLD boy / academy player for Lions and staying long term would've been a more attractive result for him.

I believe Morris will attract significant offers end of next year so us retaining Hipwood long term is more strategic move for us. He is home grown, happy to stay for less than what he'll get in open market and we'll hang on to him. You may have noticed we have also signed Gallop until 2029 who is also from that QLD / academy background.

Hipwood had partial ACL diagnosed late in 2025. Did he have reco? Status for 2026?

 

[mpal6]

Hipwood had partial ACL diagnosed late in 2025. Did he have reco? Status for 2026?

Extent of forward's recovery revealed as Lions add to stacked attack

Eric Hipwood will miss at least half of the 2026 season

www.afl.com.au

Scheduled for return around mid-year 2026 if not a little earlier.

 

[Jirik13]

Extent of forward's recovery revealed as Lions add to stacked attack

Eric Hipwood will miss at least half of the 2026 season

www.afl.com.au

Scheduled for return around mid-year 2026 if not a little earlier.

Thanks. A bit optimistic timeline after 2nd reco in Sept. Take it easy Hipwood. Just get ready for finals.

 

[StevoJenkins]

Lions could very well lose Neale, Zorko and Bailey end of 2026.

Neale - probably gets replaced by Fletcher or Washcroft. Bailey if he stays.
Zorko - Coleman or Fletcher (depending on above).
Bailey - No direct replacements at this time. We get McCarthy back this season but wouldn't be surprised if a small is drafted/brought in over the next couple of seasons.

 

[KanesBurner]

It would have been minimum 800k to 900k per year. He wouldn't have signed it otherwise. 3 years remaining of that after 2026 I can see the Pies or Port Adelaide taking that on if the Lions attach a pick.

Regardless of the amount, i don't see a world where he is at Brisbane beyond 2026. He is surplus now

I wouldn’t imagine Port have any interest. We have a bit of a logjam of youngish kpfs atm with Cochrane and Pilot (currently play as kpf’s) to come in over the next couple years. Pies maybe if he was cheap.

Brissie have been managed pretty well so they’d have it all worked out.

 

[irel]

Neale - probably gets replaced by Fletcher or Washcroft. Bailey if he stays.
Zorko - Coleman or Fletcher (depending on above).
Bailey - No direct replacements at this time. We get McCarthy back this season but wouldn't be surprised if a small is drafted/brought in over the next couple of seasons.

I’d also include Annable in the conversation as a potential option to help cover Neale. He’s still developing, but his profile and attributes suggest he could grow into that role over time. As for Fletcher, I’d prefer to leave him settled where he is, there’s no need to disrupt the back line structure when he’s already thriving there.

In terms of a Bailey‑type replacement, I can see Evans being groomed for that role initially. He’s unproven at senior level, but the traits are there, and he’s clearly being shaped with that style of player in mind.

We also shouldn’t overlook McLachlan, who is being developed as another option if Bailey decides to move on. He’s still a work in progress, but the club is clearly preparing him as part of the succession plan.

 

[Elixuh]

Brisbane have just cleared out Ah Chee, Starcevich and will lose Neale in 10 months time.

On top of that, I'd imagine they will be keen to move Hipwoods salary off the books now that they have got Allen, Gallop and Morris as key forwards. Hipwood got massively paid when he signed his big deal. it'll be a salary dump.

Also probably lose Zorko end of this season.

Bailey will get paid handsomely to keep the show rolling in the sunshine state.

Hipwood is probably the best value we have on our books $$$ wise.

 

[briztoon]

It would have been minimum 800k to 900k per year. He wouldn't have signed it otherwise. 3 years remaining of that after 2026 I can see the Pies or Port Adelaide taking that on if the Lions attach a pick.

Regardless of the amount, i don't see a world where he is at Brisbane beyond 2026. He is surplus now

Signed for $600k per.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Brisbane have just cleared out Ah Chee, Starcevich and will lose Neale in 10 months time.

On top of that, I'd imagine they will be keen to move Hipwoods salary off the books now that they have got Allen, Gallop and Morris as key forwards. Hipwood got massively paid when he signed his big deal. it'll be a salary dump.

Also probably lose Zorko end of this season.

Bailey will get paid handsomely to keep the show rolling in the sunshine state.

No one will take hipwood as a salary dump but I agree with the rest.
Although I think with Bailey leaving would be less about money and more about does he want to be a starting top 2 or 3 mid elsewhere or is he happy to play HF at brisbane and win flags.

 

[EBERT THE KING]

Yep and if he produces 60+ goal seasons in 26 and 27 - it'll be fair too. I'm secretly hoping he signs another 4 getting him to free agency but we can't match any crazy offers to be honest.

As a 20 year old key forward he led our forward line kicking 53 and getting to second premiership. What he did in 2025 is quite remarkable.

He's a genuine star.

I think the main issue is he is Victorian. Some of the numbers he will get offered from down there will be obscene.

I reckon North would be the real smoky there. Partner him with Larkey and sell him on their midfield. They have the cash.

 

[EBERT THE KING]

Hipwood is probably the best value we have on our books $$$ wise.

Fair enough, that is a very friendly deal for Brisbane.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Extent of forward's recovery revealed as Lions add to stacked attack

Eric Hipwood will miss at least half of the 2026 season

www.afl.com.au

Scheduled for return around mid-year 2026 if not a little earlier.

Not even in the best 22 anyway

 

[mpal6]

Not even in the best 22 anyway

If everyone is available - Hipwood will most likely be, on a 5 man bench.

I'd prefer he learns playing in defense as well to give us max flexibility

 

[mpal6]

Neale - probably gets replaced by Fletcher or Washcroft. Bailey if he stays.
Zorko - Coleman or Fletcher (depending on above).
Bailey - No direct replacements at this time. We get McCarthy back this season but wouldn't be surprised if a small is drafted/brought in over the next couple of seasons.

Bailey kicked 42 goals this year which will be hard to replace. Hope he stays.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

If everyone is available - Hipwood will most likely be, on a 5 man bench.

I'd prefer he learns playing in defense as well to give us max flexibility

Kinda said why he isnt best 22. I think Darcy Gardner provides better flexibility etc

 

[mpal6]

Kinda said why he isnt best 22. I think Darcy Gardner provides better flexibility etc

Darcy is good for lockdown but hes limited in forward craft and general skills

Hipwoods field kicking is elite and has a massive tank. He's usually been our relief kick target due to his running ability and marking on wing after long leads. He's been an enigma all his career on what he could become if all those attributes came together for even s single season.

 

[mpal6]

I’d also include Annable in the conversation as a potential option to help cover Neale. He’s still developing, but his profile and attributes suggest he could grow into that role over time. As for Fletcher, I’d prefer to leave him settled where he is, there’s no need to disrupt the back line structure when he’s already thriving there.

In terms of a Bailey‑type replacement, I can see Evans being groomed for that role initially. He’s unproven at senior level, but the traits are there, and he’s clearly being shaped with that style of player in mind.

We also shouldn’t overlook McLachlan, who is being developed as another option if Bailey decides to move on. He’s still a work in progress, but the club is clearly preparing him as part of the succession plan.

It's interesting you brought up Evans for Bailey. When I saw his highlights from U16/17 something that stood out was the quick sidestep as well as acceleration through traffic. The immediate comparison that came to mind was Zac. High expectations, let's see how the kid evolves.

 

[StevoJenkins]

I’d also include Annable in the conversation as a potential option to help cover Neale. He’s still developing, but his profile and attributes suggest he could grow into that role over time. As for Fletcher, I’d prefer to leave him settled where he is, there’s no need to disrupt the back line structure when he’s already thriving there.

Won't play in the middle for a couple of years yet.

Fletcher is only playing in defence because Starce was down, then Answerth went down, so keeping him there was a requirement. He's a mid who can play defence, who probably gets moved back to the midfield once Kiddy and Answerth can play significant game time.

Not even in the best 22 anyway

Hippy is 100% best 22, even with Allen in the team. He's not going to be your number 1 target, but he does the team thing, takes out a defender and plays ruck every now and again at forward stoppages. That's all we ask of the talls at the present, as in the GF we literally played three guys who stood in front of defenders.

Kinda said why he isnt best 22. I think Darcy Gardner provides better flexibility etc

Darcy is a best 22 backman, but is not a forward. Kicked something like 5 goals in 6 games in 2024, two of which were in his last game where he got injured.

 

[THE_GUN]

It's interesting you brought up Evans for Bailey. When I saw his highlights from U16/17 something that stood out was the quick sidestep as well as acceleration through traffic. The immediate comparison that came to mind was Zac. High expectations, let's see how the kid evolves.

Evans & Banfield are the 2 players i was surprised that west coast didnt match or couldnt match due to their list blunders
both fill required holed on their list and evans could ba really good replacement for Bailey but 2-3 years away