Brisbane Lions losing fight to stop players going home Patrick Karnezis is one of several Lions likely to head back to their home state this off-season. LANCE Franklin's $10 million defection to Sydney has created a fresh wave of angst over the Swans' cost of living allowance  but the debate really should shift from why they get it to why Brisbane dont. The Lions are the only side from the expansion markets that does not receive salary cap concessions. And they're leaking players like GWS leak goals. Brisbane battles a war on two fronts - the go home and stay home factors. Carlton closes in on Docherty Black offered coaching role There is no doubt these issues affect their rivals less because of the extra cash they have to spend. A major problem for the AFL, and the Swans, Suns and Giants - who stand to lose the extra 10 per cent salary cap space they are currently entitled to - is that it is being sold as a cost of living allowance. The Gold Coast is an affordable slice of paradise while Perth these days is every bit as expensive as Sydney. A retention allowance is what the Lions" desperately need. Without extra cash the Lions are unlikely to ever land a big fish through free agency. The Gabba has become the last-chance saloon for players trying to revitalise their careers. But there are other mechanism worth exploring that might help them keep players. Lions footy manager Dean Warren supports the view that extending the first contracts for draftees to three years would work because it gives players more time to crack it in the senior side and to sink social roots. A travel allowance to fly the families of interstate players in for regular visits would also help. Warren is open to all suggestions because, right now, the Lions" desperately need help recruiting and retaining players. "There needs to be a fresh look at it, it is a significant issue for us," he said. There are other options we can explore. The stay home factor hurts us as well, when a Victorian player comes on the market he has a choice of nine other clubs that he could join without even having to move house or make new friends. It is really tough for us. Jared Polec after being drafted by Brisbane in 2010. Each time Brisbane flies a young player's family up for a few days to watch a game the cost comes under the salary cap. The rule is obviously designed to prevent rorts where travel allowances for family members are factored in as uncapped components of a deal. But a travel allowance would solve many problems for the Lions. It's called homesickness but it's not the bricks and mortar of home these kids miss, it is their support network - especially if they are toiling away in the reserves wracked by insecurity over how their careers are going to pan out. Brisbane stands to lose by the end of the trade period Jared Polec, Sam Docherty, Billy Longer, Elliott Yeo and Patrick Karnezis to homesickness. Sydney defended its poaching success by correctly pointing out that it spreads the extra allowance across its entire playing list, but the facts remain the Swans have an extra 10 per cent to pay their players. Sydney's superstar signing Lance Franklin at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. Of course, what gives the Swans an advantage over GWS, and Brisbane for that matter, is they can also offer a reasonable chance of success. It is why Hawthorn recruit better than most of their Melbourne rivals - which was demonstrated by this week's stunning move on Saint Ben McEvoy. Brisbane can't offer that and the Catch 22 is the Lions need to be able to recruit some big-name players, and to keep the young talent they draft, before they can achieve the success that would make them an attractive destination.