The Brisbane Lions quest for further Club success has received a double boost with Keidean Coleman and Ally Anderson both signing a three-year contract extension.
The talented duo will remain at the Lions’ den at Brighton Homes Arena for an extended period, with Anderson locked away until at least 2026 and Coleman until the end of 2027.
Anderson and Coleman are not only extending their contracts at the same time, but the pair also share many similarities.
Both arrived at the Club via the AFL Queensland talent pathway or Brisbane Lions Academy, both are proud Indigenous athletes, and both are coming off stellar 2023 seasons.
Brisbane Lions CEO, Greg Swann said securing the pair for another three years each was a significant moment for the Club’s future.
“What better way to kick off a new season then to announce a double contract extension with two of the Club’s most exciting talents in Ally Anderson and Keidean Coleman,” Swann said.
“Both players were instrumental in the Brisbane Lions making both the AFL and AFLW Grand Finals last year and now they will help drive the Club forward for at least another three years.
“We are in an extremely exciting time for the Club across both the AFL and AFLW programs and this announcement should have all Brisbane Lions supporters delighted.”
Anderson has put pen to paper fresh from being crowned the Lions AFLW Best and Fairest last season while helping her team win the Premiership.
It was the third time Anderson has won the award and the second time the 29-year-old has done so in a Premiership year after doing the same in 2021.
Despite her playing resume already being one most players would dream of, Anderson admits she still has plenty of hunger for more success.
“I’m so excited to be signing on for another three years, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than at this Club,” Anderson said.
“I love this team and everything we have built here and I’m excited for what is to come.
“We’ve had a great 2023 for both our AFLW and AFL teams and I can’t wait to see where the next three years will take us as a group and as a Club.”
Coleman, who produced a brilliant second half of last year, is equally determined to help the Lions taste more success.
The 23-year-old defender delivered some of his best football for the 2023 finals series, including the AFL Grand Final where he finished runner-up in the Norm Smith Medal voting.
With the Brisbane Lions Academy graduate starting to reach his potential, his signature comes at a key time for the Club.
“I am blessed and grateful that I was able to extend my time with the Brisbane Lions and the culture here at the Club is a big reason why I re-committed,” Coleman said.
“I really love that whether it’s the AFL, AFLW or VFL, everyone comes in everyday to work hard individually and as a team and we are all looking at ways to get better and get that ultimate success as a Club.
“It’s an exciting time for the Brisbane Lions and I would like to be a part of this group that can win premierships, that’s an achievement I would love to accomplish.”