AFL: Sam Draper reaches Grand Final while Ben King requests trade

Sam Draper has secured his first AFL Grand Final appearance in his debut season with the Brisbane Lions. After moving from Essendon as a free agent last October to escape a history of injuries, the ruckman has successfully reintegrated into professional football, playing every game this season following a major Achilles tendon rupture last year.

In separate league news, Gold Coast Suns forward Ben King has officially requested a trade to Hawthorn. King, who finished third in the Coleman Medal with 60 goals, is seeking a move as a restricted free agent. The Suns face a strategic decision regarding whether to match contract terms to retain the player or allow the move to occur in exchange for a high-value compensation draft pick, currently estimated at selection seven.