WESTERN Bulldog midfielder Mitch Hahn has ended weeks of uncertainty about his future by agreeing to a new three-year contract, a commitment Brisbane's Jared Brennan seems increasingly unlikely to make to the Lions.

Hahn, 26, made a successful return to the game this year after a serious knee injury in 2006 and yesterday removed himself from the list of uncontracted candidates for the pre-season draft. But it emerged that Brennan is making preparations to take his family back to Darwin.

The utility's manager, Peter Whitehead, said although his 23-year-old client was still to decide whether to remain with the Lions or bring his inconsistent career to Victoria, he would not be remaining in Queensland. According to Whitehead, the lease on the house Brennan and his family have been living in is due to expire and they are not prepared to commit to a new home in Brisbane.

Whitehead denied the departure was the first step in a relocation to Melbourne, where up to five clubs — Essendon chief among them — have an interest. It was revealed during the recent trade week that the Dons had put a three-year offer worth up to $1 million. Brennan has connections at Windy Hill through former Lion Mal Michael and assistant coach Gary O'Donnell.

"They just don't want to make a quick decision for the sake of making a quick decision," Whitehead said. "He's got to move out, so he might as well go back to Darwin, sit it out and get away from it all if nothing materialises between now and the end of November."

The Lions increased their offer from two years to three, but it is believed that the annual salary remains as much as $80,000 a season below what the Bombers and others have indicated.

Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews yesterday had little to say on the Brennan situation, as the club attempts to keep hold of him. "Nothing has happened, nothing to report there," he said. "We don't know to be honest, it's a work in progress." With AAP