SAM DOCHERTY has told the Brisbane Lions he wants to come home to Victoria and looks set to join a growing exodus of highly rated youngsters from the Gabba.
Docherty's manager, Matt Bain of Stride Sports Management, told AFL.com.au on Tuesday his client had a positive meeting with new Lions coach Justin Leppitsch last week, but had subsequently requested a trade back to a Victorian club.
"Sam caught up with the Lions last week and had a really good discussion with 'Leppa' about his future," Bain said.
"Sam wants to be as respectful as possible to the Lions, but has decided the best place for him to continue his football career is in Victoria.
"Either way, he will get a fresh start back in Melbourne with family and friends or under 'Leppa' in Brisbane."
Docherty met with Carlton, Essendon, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne a fortnight ago, with the Blues understood to be leading the race for the rebounding defender's signature.
The rebounding defender, who turns 20 later this month, was the Lions' second pick at No. 12 overall in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
The Lions' first two picks in the 2010 draft, South Australian Jared Polec (No. 5) and Victorian Patrick Karnezis (No. 25), recently told the club they wanted to return to their home states.
Docherty's decision means the Lions now also stand to lose their first three selections from the 2011 draft, with Elliott Yeo (No. 30) requesting a trade to a West Australian club earlier this month and Victorian ruckman Billy Longer (No. 8) widely linked with Hawthorn and Richmond.
Docherty had 20 possessions on debut against North Melbourne in round four this season and went on to play 13 games, including 11 of the Lions' last 14 matches.
The defender also gave glimpses of the poised decision-making and booming right foot that earned him rave reviews playing for Vic Country in the 2011 NAB AFL Championships.
Docherty did not play a senior game in his first season with the Lions, 2012, after hip surgery delayed his start to the year.
