Marco Paparone Biography

Brisbane has cut five players from its list, led by experienced trio Tom Bell, Rohan Bewick and Claye Beams.

The Lions have also delisted utility Marco Paparone and rookie-listed midfielder Jake Barrett.

None of the five played regular senior footy in 2018, but the cull means some age and games experience leaves the club.

Marco Paparone faces a delayed start to the 2018 home and away season after undergoing back surgery.

Paparone, 23, had the procedure done to relieve pressure around scar tissue on his sciatic nerve.

"We believe that for him to have his best year possible, we should do the surgery now,” Lions general manager of football David Noble said.

"He is already up and about after surgery, and we expect him to miss approximately eight to 10 weeks."

Marco Paparone signs a two-year contract extension with the Lions that will keep him at the club until end of 2018.

"It’s very exciting," Paparone said.

"It’s a great opportunity to continue my footy here with this young group and hopefully we can build something."

The Lions have re-signed utility Marco Paparone for a further two years.

"Marco is an emerging player with elite endurance," Lions general manager of football operations Dean Warren said.

"He is really beginning to establish himself in our side and we are excited about his future with the club."

Marco Paparone makes his AFL debut for Brisbane at Docklands Stadium with 10 disposals (8 kicks and 2 handballs), 7 marks, a tackle and 3 goals in a 63-point loss to North Melbourne.