The Brisbane Lions have signed free agent and four-time premiership player Grant Birchall on a one-year contract.
Birchall played 248 games in his fourteen years at Hawthorn, playing at half back.
The 31-year-old said he cannot wait to travel up to Brisbane and meet his new teammates.
“It happened reasonably quickly,” he said.
“I’m excited to start something a bit different and get up there."
Birchall worked with Senior Coach Chris Fagan at Hawthorn when he was a General Manager of Football. He said he is excited to see how Fagan operates as a coach.
“He has done some really good things at the Lions over the last few years and they were really good to watch in 2019,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to playing under him and hopefully helping the guys go the next step in 2020.”
General Manager of Football David Noble said Birchall’s addition to the team would strengthen the Lions defensive unit.
“Grant’s ability to rebound the ball with his run and carry has been an area we’ve wanted to target this trade period,” he said.
“We’re really excited with what he can offer our Club on the field as he has a track record of stepping up and playing well in big games
“We believe his want to continue to improve his game is reflective of our culture, so he will be a great fit.“
Birchall will travel to Brisbane in early November.
