Sam Skinner, Corey Lyons, Matt Eagles and Archie Smith have been delisted, with the Brisbane Lions committed to retaining them on either their senior or rookie list, dependent on what is available following the 2019 NAB AFL Draft.

General Manager of Football David Noble said the list changes were important to ensure the Club has the best chance of attaining elite talent at the upcoming draft.

“We want to continue to strengthen our list at the upcoming draft, so believe this change is necessary,” Noble said.

“The Club will aim to explore its Academy and father-son options at the upcoming draft, so will require capacity to do so.

“We do intend to recommit the players either on the senior or rookie list following the draft and we will seek permission from the AFL for the players to attend training and meetings as scheduled.

“At his request, we are open to Archie exploring his options as a delisted free agent during this time.”

Eagles has been a Category B Rookie with the Lions since 2016 when he was drafted by the Club via Foxtel’s The Recruit program. In his three years at the Lions the key defender has played in four AFL matches and won two NEAFL premierships. His 2018 season was cut short due to an abdominal/groin injury which later required surgery. Eagles was unable to crack the senior side in 2019.

Sam Skinner was recruited to the Lions at the 2015 NAB AFL Draft. He played his first and only AFL game in the Lions Round 17, 2017 clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval and kicked one goal. The 22-year-old has had multiple injuries during his time at the Lions but enjoyed an injury-free season with the NEAFL premiership side in 2019, where he produced consistent performances in the forward line.

Corey Lyons is still to make his AFL debut after three seasons with the Lions. The inside midfielder has been prolific at NEAFL level with 2019 his strongest season yet, where he averaged 29 disposals a game.

Archie Smith was recruited to the Lions at the 2013 AFL Rookie Draft and has played 11 senior games in his six years in the Den. In 2019 the ruckman played two AFL games and was an important member of the Lions 2019 NEAFL premiership side.