Two rookies will return for the Brisbane Lions in 2019 with Matt Eagles and Mitchell Hinge signing on again as Category B and A rookies respectively.
For Eagles, signing on for
“When the Club said they wanted to extend my contract for another year, it was overwhelming,” Eagles told lions.com.au.
“I’m obviously really happy and I look forward to putting in more hard work.”
Eagles landed at the Gabba for the 2016 pre-season after winning Foxtel’s reality program The Recruit.
In 2017 he dominated in the backline in the Lions NEAFL side and was an important member of their premiership-winning team that year.
In Round 7 against Collingwood this year, Eagles made his long-awaited AFL debut at 28 years of age. He played in the Lions' Round 9 victory over Hawthorn and kicked his first goal to the jubilation of his teammates.
The defender’s season was cut short in the Round 10 loss to Sydney after he suffered an abdominal injury. Eagles had groin reconstruction surgery but will be fit for the 2019 season.
General Manager of Football David Noble praised Eagles’ hard work ethic.
“Matt has continued to improve and his strong performance at AFL level made it an easy decision to offer him a contract,” he said.
“He’s a really popular player amongst the group with a great work ethic to match.”
Noble said Hinge was offered another year on the rookie list after showing great potential in his performances in the NEAFL.
“We’ve seen continued improvement in Mitch’s game this year. We really like the work he’s done off
“On top of that, he’s a good person, a popular player and shows a lot of potential for the style of game we want to play.
“We’re happy that he’s another one of the young crew that have wanted to
Hinge played 15 games for the Lions NEAFL side this year and was a member of the ALFX winning side in the pre-season.
“I have loved my time here over the past couple of years. There were no questions about putting pen to paper for another year,” Hinge told lions.com.au
Similar to Eagles, Hinge’s season was cut short as he required surgery on his shoulder.
The 20-year-old will be aiming to make his Senior debut in 2019, in what will be his third year at the Lions.
“To live your childhood dream would be truly incredible. So hopefully a good strong pre-season and off-season here and we’ll get closer to that goal,” Hinge said.
