The Brisbane Lions have today announced that seven promising young players have extended their commitment to the Club.
Jacob Allison, Archie Smith, Corey Lyons, Oscar McInerney, Mitch Hinge, Jake Barrett and Matt Eagles have all signed contract extensions with the Lions.
Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product Jacob Allison made his debut in Round 19 in Western Australia this year. Tall, fast and paired with a penetrating right boot, the 19-year-old impressed and held his position for the Lions’ remaining five games of the 2017 season.
Allison will continue playing for Lions until at least the end of the 2020 season.
“It’s a great feeling. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Allison said.
“Next season I want to continue improving to become a better footballer. I will do whatever I can to cement my spot in the Senior list."
Basketball-convert Archie Smith has furthered his commitment to AFL by signing with the Lions for another two seasons.
“When the Club approached me to extend my contract, it was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make,” Smith said.
“I absolutely love it here, especially with Chris Fagan and David Noble now at the helm. I respect and get along with everyone on our list and really believe we can go far in the next few years.”
Smith played six AFL games this season and in 2018 will push to cement his position as a ruckman in the starting 22.
"I want to play as many AFL games as I can and prove myself in the ruck," Smith said.
“I’m looking forward to working with Stefan Martin and Oscar McInerney in the pre-season.”
NEAFL Best and Fairest winner Oscar McInerney’s first year in Brisbane has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension.
“I am stoked. I was excited to come to the Lions last year and now the journey continues. I’m so grateful the Club has shown faith in me,” McInerney said.
An AFL debut will be front of mind for the 204cm ruckman in 2018.
Midfielder Corey Lyons is another who will be at the Den until the conclusion of the 2019 season. Lyons played 17 games for the Lions’ premiership-winning NEAFL side and will be pushing to make his AFL debut next year.
Rookie Mitchell Hinge was one of the Lions’ best in their NEAFL Grand Final win and has signed on for another year.
Barrett joins Hinge in 2018, on a one-year contract extension. Barrett played 17 Senior games for the Lions in 2017.
The second winner of Foxtel’s The Recruit, Matt Eagles, has earned a one-year contract extension after a stunning NEAFL finals series. Originally drafted as a ruckman, Eagles starred in defence in 2017 and will aim for an AFL debut next year.
