The Brisbbbane Lions are thrilled to announce Brandon Ryan’s addition to the Club for 2024, while bidding farewell to Jack Gunston as part of a trade deal.
Ryan, a promising 200-centimetre forward, joins the Lions following a trade with Hawthorn finalized on the last day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
As part of the trade, the Lions received Ryan, picks 39 and 54 in the 2023 NAB AFL Draft, and Hawthorn’s future fourth-round pick. In return, Hawthorn acquired Gunston, picks 47 and 61, and Brisbane’s future second-round pick.
Ryan, 25, made his AFL debut with the Hawks in 2023, playing three games and notably scoring three goals against Collingwood.
Dom Ambrogio, Brisbane Lions List Manager, expressed the Club’s excitement about Ryan joining Brighton Homes Arena.
“Brandon is a promising young player we see as having significant potential to develop into a key forward in our football program,” he stated.
“We are excited to welcome Brandon to the Brisbane Lions and anticipate him having a strong preseason.”
The trade also marks Gunston’s return to the Hawks, where he won three premierships, just a year after joining the Lions.
Ambrogio mentioned that while the Club was disappointed with Gunston’s request, they are satisfied with the trade’s outcome, which enhances their draft position.
“Even though we were not obliged to facilitate a trade since Jack was under contract, we respected his situation and aimed for a beneficial trade,” he explained.
“Despite his brief tenure with the Brisbane Lions, we thank Jack for his contribution and wish him all the best in the future.”
Additionally, the Lions recently completed a trade with the Melbourne Football Club, sending Tom Fullarton to the Demons in exchange for pick 47 in the 2023 NAB AFL Draft.
