Interest in Gold Coast’s Connor Budarick has surged, with Brisbane joining the race to sign the versatile 24-year-old. Despite being offered a two-year extension by the Suns, Budarick is yet to commit, leaving several clubs on alert as list management season heats up.
Budarick, now in his sixth year at the club, has featured in 17 of 23 games this season while adapting to a fresh role further up the field.
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That evolution has only increased his appeal, with reports suggesting suitors are prepared to put forward long-term deals.
Brisbane, Bulldogs among suitors
AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge believes the Lions’ interest could be strategic. “Brisbane is among the clubs now chasing Connor Budarick,” Beveridge said on Gettable.
“We know they’re in a race to keep Brandon Starcevich — I wonder if it’s a little bit of a contingency plan in case Starcevich leaves, looking for another lockdown small defender.”
The Western Bulldogs have been monitoring him closely throughout the season, while North Melbourne and Essendon had flagged interest as far back as last year.
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According to Beveridge, rival offers could stretch well beyond the Suns’ current two-year pitch: “I think deals for Connor Budarick to leave Gold Coast now could reach three, four, even five years … I think that’s the extent of the interest in Connor Budarick now.”
With Brisbane also juggling contract decisions on Zac Bailey and pursuing free agents Oscar Allen and Sam Draper, Budarick’s next move is shaping as one of the more intriguing storylines of the off-season.