Keidean Coleman has celebrated his breakthrough season by signing a two-year contract extension that ties him to the Lions until the end of 2024.

Coleman played 18 games in his second year and finished the season strongly as one of the Lions’ best in their two finals appearances.

He began the season in the forward line but showed his versatility by switching to defence for the run to the finals where his ability to read the play and excellent decision making and ball use was a highlight.

The 21-year-old is a product of the Lions Academy and said the Club felt like such a home to him it was a simple decision to recommit for a further two years.

“For me it was the club in general and the culture they have created that made it such a simple decision,’’ he said.

“There’s no egos, you quickly learn that everyone in the footy department has an important role to play and everybody in there is valued.

“Everyone helps each other out, the way people stop and help the property guys load things or the way the players clean up the sheds, that is the kind of environment I want to be in.

“In terms of coaches, as a young guy coming in it can be daunting being drafted into the AFL system but our coaches, and that’s everyone from the academy coaches, VFL coaches and Fages and his coaches, they not only help out with your footy but also your life off the field.

“The investment of time into people is tremendous.

“For me it was a no brainer to re-sign.’’

Coleman has gone from strength to strength since being overlooked in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.

He made the decision to remain in the Lions academy as an overage player and the move paid off as he starred for the Club’s NEAFL side in their unbeaten run to the 2019 premiership.

The Lion selected him the following draft and he quickly put himself on the cusp of senior selection, appearing as an emergency seven times before making his AFL debut in Rd 15 2020. He held his spot across half forward for five games including the qualifying final victory over eventual premiers Richmond.

Lions GM of Football Danny Daly said it had been a pleasure tracking Coleman’s development. 

“Keidean has a really bright future in the AFL and we are excited that he has re-signed with us until the end of 2024 season,’’ he said.

“He has shown great improvement over the last two years and was a able to cement a spot in our backline in the back half of the 2021 season and play some quality football in that time.

“We are excited in what lies ahead for both the club and for Kiddy in the coming years.’’