The Brisbane Lions' decision to back away from the free agency market could cost the club Hawthorn defender Matthew Suckling.

The Lions have strong interest in the premiership player but would prefer for him to join the club through the pre-season draft rather than as a free agent.

The club does not want to bring a free agent in, given that to do so would mean missing out on compensation should ruckman Matthew Leuenberger depart.

Under free agency rules, clubs are compensated for departing free agents only if they finish with a net loss of players.

Suckling is considering his options for next season, but the Lions have been told that if it happens it will be as an unrestricted free agent or via a trade.

Hawthorn would not receive any compensation for him should he leave through the draft rather than as a free agent.

While Suckling remains a priority target for Brisbane, it is understood the Lions have withdrawn from discussions about at least two other free agents.

Suckling, who may yet remain at Hawthorn, is one of only a few Hawks yet to be re-contracted for 2016.

It is understood the 26-year-old has been offered a four-year deal, averaging about $400,000 per season, to move to Brisbane.

As an unrestricted free agent Suckling would be able to move to the Lions without the interference of Hawthorn, who would be unable to match the offer.

However, joining the Lions via the draft would mean the Hawks would receive no compensation for his departure, possibly missing out on an end-of-first-round selection.

The two clubs could also negotiate a trade, though the Lions would not want to give up a valuable pick with the pre-season draft option available to them.

Leuenberger - a 27-year-old restricted free agent - is also contemplating his options after nine years in Brisbane.

Should he leave, the Lions' compensation would be determined by the AFL's "formula" and based on his age and the terms of his new deal.

Brisbane may increase its efforts to keep him at the club should the Stefan Martin request a move at the end of the season, but the Lions are confident the contracted Martin will stay.

Melbourne last year received a first-round selection - pick three overall - after James Frawley joined the Hawks under free agency rules.

Brisbane has said it will apply to the AFL for a priority pick in this year's draft, given its woeful run in recent seasons and significant number of player departures.

James Aish, a first-round pick in 2013, is likely to join the long list of Lion youngsters to request a trade after just two or three years at the club.

An end-of-first round priority pick would make it easier for the Lions to obtain Academy players Ben Keays and Eric Hipwood in this year's draft, under the new bidding system.

A compensation pick for Leuenberger would do the same, or give the club a shot at two top-three draftees if his new contract at another club is deemed big enough.

Both Lions Academy players - Hipwood an aggressive key position prospect and Keays a busy midfielder - are a strong chance to attract bids in the first round.

Hawthorn had four players on the free agency list at the start of the year but Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge agreed to contract extensions early in the season.

That left Suckling and Brendan Whitecross, who has played four senior games this year after returning from two knee reconstructions.