<h2>Sam Draper Officially Signs with Lions as a Free Agent - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Sam Draper has signed with Brisbane Lions as an unrestricted free agent, boosting their ruck division after back-to-back premierships</p> <p>- Essendon receives end-of-first-round compensation pick (currently No.20) for losing the 27-year-old ruckman</p> <p>- The signing addresses Brisbane's ruck depth concerns following Oscar McInerney's retirement following his premiership triumph.&nbsp;</p> <p>Brisbane Lions have secured their first of two significant coups in the AFL Free Agency period, signing experienced ruckman Sam Draper from Essendon as an unrestricted free agent.</p> <p>Moving north as an Unrestricted Free Agent, meaning the Bombers had no rights or ability to match the deal, Essendon has received an end-of-first-round compensation pick (currently pick 20) from the AFL for losing Draper.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions Strengthen Ruck Division with Key Signing</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The recruitment of Draper represents a shrewd piece of recruitment for the back-to-back premiers, who identified ruck depth as a priority following this season's challenges. The 27-year-old brings substantial AFL experience to the Gabba, having played 78 games for the Bombers after initially being selected through the Rookie Draft.</p> <p>Draper's arrival addresses immediate concerns over ruck coverage, particularly given Oscar McInerney's recent retirement following his premiership success.</p> <p>With veteran Darcy Fort set to turn 33 next year, the Lions have moved decisively to secure their ruck future with a player entering his prime years.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Compensation Details and Trade Implications</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As a result of losing Draper, Essendon has received an end-of-first-round compensation pick, which is currently sitting at pick no.20 in this year's draft.&nbsp;</p> <p>It strengthens Essendon’s draft hand as they continue to navigate a transition period of their list, with the compensation pick now giving Essendon a bounty of three first-round selections, currently holding picks 4,5 &amp; 20 in this year's draft.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Lions' Busy Off-Season Continues</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Sam Draper signing forms part of what shapes as an active trade period for the premiers. West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen is also expected to join the Lions, further strengthening their forward line depth and versatility.</p> <p>However, the Lions face departures as well, with Brandon Starcevich, Callum Ah Chee, and Deven Robertson all set to leave the club. These moves suggest Brisbane is carefully managing their salary cap whilst targeting specific areas for improvement.</p> <p>The Lions are also set to boost their draft hand with later picks to accrue enough points to match a high bid on highly-rated academy prospect, Daniel Annable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Draper's versatility as a ruckman who can impact around the ground aligns perfectly with Brisbane's high-tempo game style under Chris Fagan. His ability to provide genuine competition and support for McInerney could prove crucial as the Lions attempt to secure a third consecutive premiership.</p> <p>The signing demonstrates Brisbane's commitment to maintaining its premiership window whilst simultaneously planning for the future. With Draper's best football potentially still ahead of him, the Lions have secured a player who can contribute immediately while offering long-term value.</p> <p>As the AFL trade period continues, the Sam Draper move sets the tone for what promises to be an eventful off-season. For punters and fans alike, this signing suggests the Lions remain serious contenders for another premiership tilt in 2026.</p> <p>For all the latest AFL Trade, Free Agency and Contract news this off-season, keep clicking back to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl">The Huddle</a> to keep you across all the movement and where your club's picks for the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/news/2025-afl-draft-order">2025 AFL Draft</a> fall.</p>