Premiership-winning Brisbane Lions veteran Ash McGrath has moved a step closer to becoming a one-club player after signing a new two-year deal.
 
McGrath, 29, spurned any thought of free agency for an opportunity to help lead the Lions’ next generation.
 
The new deal will ensure McGrath remains at the Lions until at least the end of 2014. He joins fellow Lions Simon Black, Ryan Lester, Matt Maguire and Rowan Bewick to have put pen to paper in recent weeks.
 
“In the end, it was an easy decision to make,” said McGrath, who was taken by the Lions with the 13th overall pick in the 2000 AFL national draft.
 
“The Club has built such a great culture, and with the young talent that we have been able to expose to senior footy over the last two years, it’s an exciting time to be at the club.”
 
A 2003 premiership player, McGrath had his season cut short after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Lions’ Round 14 win over Melbourne, with season ending surgery required.
 
“Getting injured when I did was disappointing, especially with how the boys’ finished off the season, but I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running come pre-season,” he said.
 
Lions General Manager - Football Operations, Dean Warren, said McGrath’s experience was an invaluable asset for a young group.
 
“Ash is one of the few players on our list that has experienced the ultimate success so obviously the wisdom he can impart on our younger players will be crucial to, not only their development as players, but also to the team’s,” Warren said.
 
“He’s got proven ability at both ends of the ground and I know everyone is keen to see him back out on the field again in 2013.”
 
To view his player profile, click here.