Brisbane Lions duo Oscar McInerney and Ryan Lester have committed to new deals with the Club, just weeks out from their 2023 finals campaign.
McInerney, who was already contracted for 2024, has signed on for a further two years until the end of 2026, while Lester has re-committed for the 2024 season with a new one-year deal.
Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly, said the Club was thrilled to have the pair remaining at Brighton Homes Arena.
“Oscar and Frog (Lester) are both very valuable to us on the field, but they are also two great people that are much-loved and really help build the great culture we have at the Club,” he said.
“I think Frog is a great story of someone who continues to make the most of their opportunities and give their absolute all.
“He has signed several one or two-year contracts and does so because he puts the team before his own benefit and that’s why at the same time, he continues to be in our leadership group.
“Oscar is an outstanding ruck and continues to give our midfield great opportunities. He works hard to improve his game each week and will be a key player for us come finals and again for the three seasons.”
Lester, a reliable utility, has played 175 games with the Lions since being drafted in 2010 from the Oakleigh Chargers.
The player known by his teammates as ‘Frog’ was delisted by the Lions at the end of last season and told he would be picked up again via the rookie draft.
Now the loveable veteran has played 14 of a possible 21 games this season and the form of the 30-year-old is a key reason why the Lions are sitting second on the ladder.
“I am proud of the career I’ve been able to have. By hanging around as long as I have I am able to get opportunities like this year due to injuries and things,” Lester said.
“Certainly at the start of the year I wasn’t expecting to play much AFL this year, so when I was able to get in the team I made sure I enjoyed every game and I’ve continued to do that since
“It’s a great achievement for the club to finish top four again. With a couple weeks to go we need to put ourselves in the best possible position to attack finals.”
McInerney, the Lions 204-centimetre ruckman, has gone from being rookie drafted in 2016 to becoming one of the most valuable big men in the AFL.
The 29-year-old has remained loyal to the Club as he looks to experience further success as a Lion.
“As soon as the Club and my manager put forward the idea of extending, I couldn’t get it signed quick enough, I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to continue on with this great Club,” McInerney said.
“I absolutely love the Club, the boys and all the coaches and staff who make it such a great place to come in every day and work toward achieving the ultimate prize.
“Now I am just keen to put the head down, chip away and improve as a group and individual and see how far we can go over the next few years.”
The duo join teammates Jack Payne, Jaspa Fletcher, Cal Ah-Chee, James Madden, Henry Smith, Darcy Fort in re-signing with the Brisbane Lions.
