Highly touted Brisbane forward Josh Schache is set to be dropped for Saturday night's clash with Adelaide, with the club believing the constant speculation surrounding his future is affecting his form.

His pending omission comes along with revelations that Richmond have met Schache's management, as the Tigers step up their pursuit of the star teenager.

The Lions are now privately resigned to losing a player they invested heavily in, taking him at pick No. 2 in a national draft held less than 18 months ago.

Fairfax Media understands that senior officials, including coach Chris Fagan and head of football David Noble, believe Schache's form has been affected by constant speculation over him returning home to Victoria.