Former South Warrnambool footballer Brent Moloney is expected to be signed to the Brisbane Lions.
FORMER Melbourne footballer Brent Moloney is certain to join fellow South Warrnambool exports Jonathan Brown and Matt Maguire at the Brisbane Lions.
Moloney, 28, will have a medical examination today but the Lions are expected to offer the former Demon best and fairest winner a two-year contract.
The nuggety onballer will join the Queensland club as an AFL restricted free agent.
As he is a restricted free agent, Melbourne theoretically has the option of retaining Moloney by matching Brisbane’s offer within 72 hours.
But it is not expected to stand in his way, given Moloney had made it clear for some time he was seeking a new home.
Moloney became the AFL’s first free agent in September, telling Demons coach Mark Neeld he wanted to move clubs.
He started pre-season early and spent time training with his long-time mate, personal trainer Rodney Ryan, when he visited family in Warrnambool last month.
His prospective move north comes four weeks after Brown, the Lions’ captain, said the club wouldn’t seek to recruit inside midfielders such as Moloney during the off-season.
Speaking to The Standard, Brown said Brisbane would use the trade and draft period to fill specific holes in its list.
“Our club really needs a key forward that can be there for eight or 10 years,” the Lions skipper said.
“We have potential room in the salary cap, so that’ll be priority number one and potentially a bit of outside speed in the midfield.
“We have a fair few of those inside grunt guys.
“I really rate Brent as a player.
“Hopefully he continues his career at another club.” Moloney has played 145 AFL games — 122 with Melbourne and 23 with Geelong.
He fell out of favour under Neeld this season and played just 15 senior matches.
His manager Bruce Kaider said a meeting with Lions coach Michael Voss swayed Moloney towards signing with Brisbane.
“Playing under Michael Voss was something he was keen to do,” Kaider said.
“He loved the way Voss went about it when he played and I think “Vossy” likes the way he plays too.
“They genuinely think that Brent can help them win games of football and make a contribution as a leader.”
Kaider said a switch of states was also an attraction for Moloney.With AAP
justine.mc@standard.fairfax.com.au