Lions star Bailey rejects monster offer from rival as Marshall demands Saints trade

Zac Bailey has ended the long-running question over his future by turning down a major offer from Adelaide and re-signing with Brisbane. The premiership hero has agreed to remain with the Lions until the end of 2034.

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If I was interested, I wouldn't tell you.

Bailey, 26, has earned two All-Australian selections and produced another strong season, scoring 31 goals while averaging a career-high 21.7 disposals. His decision comes as Brisbane prepares to farewell veteran star Lachie Neale, who is expected to move to Collingwood during the trade period. Bailey signed three days after the Lions were unexpectedly beaten heavily by Sydney in the qualifying final.

Rowan Marshall, meanwhile, is seeking a move away from St Kilda. The 30-year-old ruckman remains contracted through next season, and Geelong and Essendon are considered his strongest suitors. Geelong coach Chris Scott declined to discuss the club’s prospects of signing him, saying player communication should be handled by the players themselves. St Kilda said Marshall had not nominated a preferred destination and that any trade would need to serve the club’s best interests.

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It's an unfortunate situation. I think everyone would like us all to be a bit more open, but I think it's got to the stage now where the communication should be driven by the players themselves.

Marshall played 21 games this season after St Kilda chose former Carlton recruit Tom de Koning as its first-choice ruck. North Melbourne’s Zane Duursma has also told the club he wants to move to Melbourne. The 21-year-old, selected fourth in the 2023 draft, has played 38 games in three seasons and rejected a new three-year offer. Melbourne has long been linked to him. The Demons have also told former captain Jack Viney that he can explore a trade after an injury-hit season in which he played only one game.

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Marshall has not nominated a preferred destination at this stage, with the club making clear that any trade will need to be in the best interests of the St Kilda Football Club.