Rising Star nominee Harris Andrews has signed a contract extension that will see him stay with the Brisbane Lions until at least the end of 2018
And in more good news for the Club, rugged backman Ryan Harwood has also signed a two-year contract extension, to the end of 2017.
Queenslander Andrews, who was already contracted for 2016, has put pen to paper for an additional two years.
Standing at 200cm, Andrews' height and athleticism have seen him become a key young player for the Club in 17 games since his AFL debut in Round 3 against Richmond at the Gabba.
The 18-year-old’s first-year form has been one of the highlights of the 2015 season, culminating with him being named as the NAB Rising Star nominee for Round 18 – the first graduate of the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy to win the honour.
He was selected at Pick No.61 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, after representing Queensland at the 2014 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and also playing six games for Queensland in the TAC Cup.
“Brisbane is where I want to be, I’ve really enjoyed it here at the Club and this is my home,” said Andrews, who spent his entire junior football career (more than 200 games) with the Aspley Juniors in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
“It’s been a pretty crazy 12 months – this time last year I was really nervous going into the Draft Combine wondering if I’d get picked up. I was lucky enough to get picked up by Brisbane and injuries have given me an opportunity to play Senior footy and I’ve just learnt so much.
“The Academy system fast-tracked my progression. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Academy and the first testing day that I was invited to – the Academy has been massive for me.”
Harwood’s two-year extension will ensure much-needed experience and toughness is retained in the backline.
The Tasmanian will be keen to add to his 59 game after spending the bulk of 2015 on the sideline with injury.
When fully fit, the 24-year-old is a damaging runner with creative and clean disposal.
“It’s always good to get another couple of years under the belt,” said Harwood. “I want to play here until we see some success, we haven’t had much since I’ve been at the Club.
“I had surgery about four weeks ago now on my hip, hopefully that was the cause of my pain and I’ll be back next year, hopefully pain free and can run out a whole game at least.
“But also seeing the boys grow; the ones who are coming up underneath us (older players) was a big part of my decision too.
“Watching the young blokes grow is great, especially Harris (Andrews) and Dawso (Liam Dawson) taking on those roles down back and seeing how well they’re starting to play.”
Brisbane Lions Talent Acquisition and Retention Manager, Peter Schwab, said the contract extensions of Andrews and Harwood would set the tone for a positive few months ahead.
“Harris is going to be a terrific long-term key player for the Brisbane Lions. He has had an outstanding year for such a young player,” said Schwab.
“He shows a lot of maturity for such a young age, he is a great reader of the ball in flight which is why he marks so well, he is calm and never flustered, has good hands and good decision-making skills.
“Harris is a local player and is loving his environment. He sees himself as a loyal Queenslander, and committing for an extended period of time is great for the Club and the first of many in the years ahead.
“Ryan has had a quiet year through injury but we’ve always thought he is a player who fits into our backline really well, he’s got use of the footy, good speed, has been in the system for a few years now – and with some luck will hit some really good form.”
