Opposition forwards be warned, the towering figure in the No 31 will be patrolling Brisbane’s defence for the next five years after Lions’ vice-captain Harris Andrews signed a long-term contract extension.

The All Australian key defender, who passed the 100 game milestone for the Club, now has the opportunity to pass 200 games throughout the course of his existing deal.

“I love the club and I’m a proud Queenslander, I couldn’t imagine playing or living anywhere else,’’ he said.

“I’ve got a great bunch of mates here, our coaches and all the support staff are first class and I have no doubt here is where I will play my best football.

“The bond we have and the determination we share to improve and have success together motivates me every single day.

“I’m thrilled to have extended my contract with the Lions and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead for our Club.’’

 Andrews has been with the club since his days in the Lions Academy and says the entire organisation feels like a family to him.

Coach Chris Fagan has previously said “if you were to have a son you’d like someone like Harris Andrews” and the respect is mutual.

The 23-year-old has an interest in coaching and has developed a close bond with Fagan over their four years together.

“Fages has been terrific for me,’’ he said.

“I really enjoy catching up with him to pick his brains on all matters football and I’m happy to say I’ll be driving him mad for a long time to come.’’

GM of Football David Noble said the contract extension was a huge boost for the Lions and just reward for a player who epitomised the Club’s values.

“We’ve seen Harris develop from an Academy player to an All Australian and our vice-captain in very quick time,’’ he said.

“His development is not only a testament to our coaches but also to Harris himself who’s dedication to his craft is second to none.

“To win our Most Professional Player for the past three years in a row, when you consider the calibre of some of his teammates, shows the type of player he is.’’

Noble said while the football public had charted his development into one of the competition’s premier defenders, which was recognised by his first All Australian selection last season, internally the club was just as excited by his emergence as a leader.

“His growth in this space has been especially pleasing,’’ he said.

“Like everything Harris does he has committed to becoming the best leader he can be and he has quickly become a strong deputy to Dayne Zorko.’’

Andrews, who is expected to miss five matches with a hamstring injury, is now demonstrating those skills by spending extra time helping the defensive unit with their preparation.