Irishman Pearce Hanley has agreed to five-year deal with the Brisbane Lions.
The new agreement will see Hanley, 24, remain at the Lions until at least the end of the 2018 season.
Hanley joins teammates Matthew Leuenberger, Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich, Mitch Golby and Ryan Harwood as Lions who have committed to the Club during the past few months.
Whilst there was plenty of interest in the market for Hanley, the 24-year old was keen to remain a Lion.
“I love the Club, I love Brisbane and I want to be a part of the exciting times ahead for the footy Club,” said Hanley.
Lions General Manager, Football Operations, Dean Warren, said: “Pearce has been one of our most consistent performers this year and the Club is ecstatic he will remain a Lion for the next five years.
“His development over the past few years has been extremely exciting and we have no doubt he will become one of the game’s elite.
“A five year commitment from Pearce demonstrates the confidence he has in the future of this football Club.”
Hanley, was drafted by the Lions at the end of 2007 following an impressive performance in the hybrid 2006 U17 International Rules Series in Fremantle, where he first shot to prominence by winning the Ron Barassi Medal as Ireland’s best player.
Hailing from the small dairy town of Ballaghaderreen in County Mayo, Ireland, Hanley played in all 22 senior matches for the second consecutive season in 2012.
This year he has been touted by some as a candidate for All Australian selection, averaging 24 disposals and six marks a game.
Having only picked up a Sherrin for the first time a little over five years ago, Hanley is now regarded as one of the best kicks at the Lions.
