THE Brisbane Lions have delisted five players, headlined by former Collingwood key position player Jackson Paine.

Paine was recruited by the Lions three seasons ago, playing a total of 10 games for the club, including four in 2016 when he was switched from the forward line to defence.

Untried pair Josh Watts and Josh McGuinness, along with rookies Hugh Beasley and Billy Evans have also been delisted.

The Lions now have eight confirmed list changes following the retirements of Daniel Merrett, Trent West and Justin Clarke.

Small forward Josh Green is also believed to be open to a trade.

Paine is perhaps the unluckiest of the delisted players, with the Lions already thin at the defensive end following the retirements of Merrett and Clarke and the ACL injury to young fullback Sam Skinner that will see him miss most of 2017. 

Beasley, also a key defender, played six games in his two seasons at the club, while midfielder Evans played seven, including two this season. 

Evans, 20, was named the Lions' NEAFL player of the year at the club's best and fairest dinner on Saturday night. 

"Of course it is disappointing when any player departs, and each of the guys have given great service to our club," football manager Matt Francis said.