PATRICK Karnezis has told the Brisbane Lions he wants to head home to Victoria at the end of this season, having failed to overcome the homesickness that has plagued him in his three years at the club.
AFL.com.au understands Karnezis, 21, recently told the Lions he had decided to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season.
After unsuccessfully requesting a trade to a Victorian club at the end of last season, Karnezis made a concerted effort to settle into Brisbane this year, but the lure of home has proved too strong.
It is understood several Victorian clubs including Collingwood are circling the No. 25 pick in the 2010 draft, but the Lions will be looking to drive a hard bargain at the trade table.
In the event that one of Karnezis' suitors cannot agree to a trade with the Lions, the half-forward will have to enter the national or pre-season draft and hope he gets through to his preferred club.
The draft pick the Lions used to select Karnezis was acquired in the trade that sent Jared Brennan to Gold Coast at the end of 2010.
Karnezis played 11 games and kicked 17 goals in his debut season, 2011, but managed just seven games last year.
He was one of the Lions' better performers in their 68-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in round one this year with 19 possessions, but after playing as the Lions' substitute the following week against Adelaide was dropped.
Despite his outstanding form in the NEAFL this year, Karnezis has played just one game since, the round 10 loss against Collingwood.
Last Saturday, Karnezis staked a strong claim for a senior recall, finishing with 32 disposals and four goals in the reserves' 33-point win over the Swans.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_Nick
