Brisbane Lions forward Eric Hipwood has signed a six-year contract extension, which will see him remain at Brighton Homes Arena until at least the end of 2029.

Hipwood, who still had one year to run on his previous contract, has put pen to paper on the new deal following a strong finals series for the Lions in season 2022.

The 25-year-old kicked nine goals during Brisbane’s three-match finals campaign, showing signs he is nearing his best, just 18 months after suffering an ACL injury.

Re-committing to the Club that selected him with pick 14 in the 2015 National Draft was an easy decision, according to the former Caloundra and Aspley junior.

“I jumped at the opportunity to re-sign, to be honest,” Hipwood said.

“One thing that attracted me to stay with the Club is that I have been here since the dark times, so to be able to experience some good times and hopefully some better times coming, it was a pretty easy decision.

“When you listen to some of my idols, in Nick Riewoldt and Jonathon Brown, and what they have spoken about post their careers and how proud they are to be a one-Club player, that is something I have always aspired to be, if I had the opportunity.”

In his seven years in the maroon, blue and gold, Hipwood has booted 188 goals in 127 games to become one of the Lions’ and AFL’s leading tall forwards - standing at a towering 203 centimetres.

The former Queensland talent pathway player said it is ‘pretty special’ to now be playing a key role in helping the Lions be a serious premiership contender.

“I got drafted at a pretty unique time for the Club, then in 12 months’ time our list sort of got turned on its end and we got a new coach and a new GM (General Manager Football),” Hipwood recalled.

“We had to build a culture from scratch which was eye opening at the start.

“But to now be able to have a stable environment where you come in to work and you know you are going to get better and we have goals, it is a really good environment and something I am proud to be a part of.”

Brisbane Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly, said Hipwood re-committing for a further six years was a significant moment for the Club’s future.

“Eric deserves this contract extension because he has been instrumental in helping the Club get to where it is today,” he said.

“From the moment he arrived at the Brisbane Lions he has continued to work extremely hard to reach his full potential, and it is a real credit to him.

“The way Eric performed during the finals, where he was our leading goal kicker, is really exciting for the Club moving forward and no doubt it has our members and fans excited.”