Brisbane Lions sign young forward Logan Morris ahead of preliminary final

Essendon has not offered a contract to No.5 pick Elijah Tsatas, who was delisted on Tuesday alongside four teammates after four seasons on the Bombers’ list.

Tsatas was pick five in the 2022 national draft but managed just 22 matches in four seasons.

He played his final AFL match against Melbourne in round 14, having been given the chance to prove himself in three consecutive matches after interim coach Dean Solomon replaced Brad Scott as coach.

Tsatas played well in the VFL, helping the team reach the preliminary final, but was delisted alongside free agency recruit Jade Gresham and injury-afflicted Matt Guelfi. Mid-season draft selections Saad El-Hawli and Liam McMahon were also delisted.

Tsatas is yet to gauge interest from other clubs but as a delisted free agent his path to another AFL club would be easier than if he was traded.

Archie Perkins remains without a contract for next season while contracted former skipper Zach Merrett is likely to request a trade to Hawthorn after his failed attempt to join them last season. North Melbourne are monitoring Jordan Ridley, but he may remain a Bomber, where he is contracted.

Elsewhere, star Lions’ forward Logan Morris is off the market after signing a two-year extension to remain in Brisbane until the end of 2029.

Although he was unlikely to join the Tassie Devils when they enter the AFL in 2028, he was certain to receive huge offers from Victorian clubs desperate for a key forward.

However, Morris, who was drafted from the Western Jets with pick 31 in the 2023 national draft, has decided to continue his career at the Gabba having kicked 144 goals from 69 matches so far.

He has already kicked 67 goals this season, including a haul of eight in the final round of the home and away season against Collingwood.

Morris’s decision puts the Lions in a strong position as they enter this Saturday’s preliminary final against Hawthorn on a mission to win their third flag in a row.

Zac Bailey resisted a huge offer from Adelaide to remain with the club. He signed a nine-year deal last week, while veteran Dayne Zorko also signed on for another season.

The Lions are likely to lose 2025 premiership player Sam Marshall, who has interest from Melbourne, Essendon, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda, as he seeks senior opportunities.

Melbourne and the Bombers are also interested in promising forward Will McLachlan, while star midfielder Lachie Neale is expected to join Collingwood once the season is over.

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