The following events will soon be consigned to Club history as the Lions gear up for another assault on the AFL Premiership in 2012.
The Lions will count down the 10 significant moments from 2011 throughout December, with the final instalment featuring on Friday 23 December - prior to the Club’s official closure for the New Year period.
MOMENT #5: YOUNG LIONS COMMIT
CLICK HERE to watch the news reel from some of the Club’s key re-signings from 2011
A collection of Lions youngsters signalled their commitment to the Club’s future by signing contract extensions in 2011.
Ryan Harwood (20), Patrick Karnezis (19), Pearce Hanley (23), Matthew Leuenberger (23), Niall McKeever (22), Jesse O’Brien (20), Jared Polec (19), James Polkinghorne (22), Daniel Rich (21) and Tom Rockliff (21) all penned new deals throughout the season in what proved a positive act of solidary and faith in the Club’s youth-driven direction.
Importantly, the new contracts also ensured that each of the young players remained out of reach for new AFL franchise - GWS - who can lure uncontracted players from other clubs again next year.
The announcement of both Rich and Leuenberger as key signings was arguably the most significant, considering media speculation was rife surrounding their futures beyond 2011.
Both young stars had been linked loosely not only to the GWS, but also a potential return home to Western Australia. But Rich and Leuenberger promptly put those rumours to rest by committing themselves to the Lions.
Rockliff, meanwhile, extended his contract with the Club until the end of 2014, even though his existing deal doesn’t expire for another 12 months.
Lions General Manager of Football Operations Dean Warren said the signings were another significant step forward for the Club.
“It really is tremendous news, not only for the Club, but also for all Lions members, supporters and our partners,” Warren said.
“There’s no doubt that this group of players are exceptionally talented and a core part of our playing list. But they are also fine young men and will continue to play a big part in the development of the team and Club’s culture into the future. We have a very young list, one that is developing and growing together, but we remain confident in the direction that we’re heading.”
Coupled with the players’ pledge, was the Club’s commitment to Senior Coach Michael Voss, who was re-appointed for a further two years.
Despite enduring some difficult times, both on and off the field over the past two seasons, the Club maintained faith that Voss was the right man to help lead the team to future success.
The decision added further strength and stability to a Club that had experienced its fair share of turbulence in recent times.
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RELATED LINKS
Lions announce key re-signings
Future in good hands
Voss signs two-year deal
Young Lions sign new deals
Five Lions extend their stay
PREVIOUS MOMENTS
#10: CELEBRATING GREATNESS
#9: BLOODING YOUNG CUBS
#8: HISTORY ON SHOW
#7: QCLASH REVENGE
#6: CHARMAN BOWS OUT
