Brent Moloney tries out his new colours.
BRISBANE Lions recruit Brent Moloney wanted to move to a club on the verge of another finals campaign.
The South Warrnambool export joined the Lions as an AFL restricted free agent last week after eight seasons at Melbourne.
Moloney's most recent final was the Demons' 2005 elimination final loss to his first club Geelong.
Brisbane flew under the radar in 2012, finishing with 10 wins in a season of promise.
"That is something to work off and I do want to play finals footy and I think they have the potential," Moloney said.
Moloney said the Lions, who upset finals-bound West Coast and Adelaide at the Gabba last season, had an exciting list.
"Why I chose Brisbane is I think they are a good fit for me," he said.
"They have a good, young list with a mix of experience with Jonathan Brown and Simon Black.
"I can learn a lot off them and develop the younger kids like Daniel Rich, Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff."
Moloney became the AFL's first free agent when he announced he wanted to leave Melbourne last month.
As Moloney was a restricted free agent, the Demons had the option of matching Brisbane's offer and retaining him but chose not to. "I think it's good for football because it gives players an opportunity to go to the club they want to go to," he said.
"It is especially good when you've given good service to a football club.
"I played at Melbourne for eight years and enjoyed it but felt I needed a change."
There will be a South Warrnambool flavour to the Lions' spine next season.
Moloney will play in the midfield with forward Jonathan Brown and defender Matt Maguire holding down key positions.
The former Melbourne best and fairest winner said he was excited to reunite with the south-west pair. "It's a nice touch. I played juniors with Browny and am close with Matt," he said.
"I played Falcons and under 16s with him."
Speaking to The Standard last month, Brown said Brisbane had holes in its list and needed a key forward and outside midfielders.
Brown said he expected Moloney to continue his 145-game career at another AFL club.
Moloney said he respected Brown's opinion and that he looked forward to working with the Lions skipper.
Moloney said Brisbane coach Michael Voss recruited him for his contested football, clearance work and leadership.
The former Melbourne vice-captain said a spot in the Lions' leadership group was not a focus.
"I will work hard, head down bum up, and gain the respect of the playing group," he said.
Moloney will start pre-season training with his new teammates on November 5 and travel to Arizona for a 16-day high altitude training camp two days later.
"I can't wait to get there and get stuck into it," he said.
justine.mc@standard.fairfax.com.au