Luke McGuane signals intention to go to LionsNick Bowen
afl.com.au
October 4, 2013 12:52 PMFREE agent Luke McGuane has decided to leave Richmond in the hope of joining former Tigers assistant Justin Leppitsch at the Brisbane Lions.
McGuane, 26, played 105 games in nine seasons with the Tigers, but told AFL.com.au on Friday he felt he needed a fresh start to make the most out of the four or five years he believes he has left in the game.
The Queenslander said he was prepared to go anywhere to extend his AFL career, but his preference was to return home and play under newly appointed Lions coach Leppitsch at the Gabba.
"Brisbane is my first preference due to their interest and also the fact I grew up in Queensland and my family are there," McGuane, an unrestricted free agent, said.
"It also helps that I get along with 'Leppa' really well on and off the field.
"He's been great with me the whole time he's been at Richmond, so when he went up there I saw a lot of positives in exploring a move there."
McGuane confirmed he knocked back a mid-season contract offer from Richmond and another recently as he worked out his football future.
The key forward said it was tough to leave Richmond and his teammates after nine seasons, but he had decided he needed to get out of his comfort zone to revitalise his career.
More to come.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-04/mcguane-to-leave-tigers
