Oscar McInerney and Ryan Lester re-sign with Brisbane

With finals right around the corner and a top two finish still in reach, the Lions have received two grand pieces of good news, locking down two key players.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 12: Oscar McInerney of the Lions and Taylor Walker of the Crows in action during the 2023 AFL Round 22 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at The Gabba on August 12, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brisbane has locked away star ruckman Oscar McInerney until 2026 and handed veteran Ryan Lester another season as a reward for his durability.

This masthead can reveal McInerney has agreed to a two-year extension on a deal that already had him tied to the club until 2024 in a reward for his continued strong form.

Lester’s signature comes after he was delisted then rookie-listed by the Lions last year, playing 14 games so far this year alongside Harris Andrews and the newly re-signed Jack Payne.

It is understood Brisbane defender Marcus Adams will retire at season’s end as he attempts to recover from twin head knocks he suffered with a minute in a game last season.

Adams was subbed out of that round 21 game against Carlton with a rib issue but battled delayed concussion symptoms that saw him ruled out for the entire 2023 season.

Lester and Payne have helped fill the defensive breach for the Lions this year as they enter the finals certain of locking away a double chance.

Oscar McInerney will be a Lion until 2026. Pic: Michael Klein

The Lions recently locked away Darcy Fort for two more seasons so the club has secured its ruck duo for some time as it attempts to win its first premiership since 2004.

Former rookie McInerney would have hit free agency in 2025 but was happy to give up that right to sign on again.

“As soon as the club and my manager put forward the idea of extending, I couldn’t

get it signed quick enough, I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to continue on with

this great Club,” McInerney said.

“I absolutely love the club, the boys and all the coaches and staff who make it such

a great place to come in every day and work toward achieving the ultimate prize.”

Lester’s new deal gives him a chance to hit the 200-game milestone late next year after 175 games as a much-loved member of the Lions list.

Veteran Ryan Lester has also re-signed. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I am proud of the career I’ve been able to have. By hanging around as long as I

have I am able to get opportunities like this year due to injuries,” Lester said.

“Certainly at the start of the year I wasn’t expecting to play much AFL this year, so

when I was able to get in the team I made sure I enjoyed every game and I’ve

continued to do that since.”

The Lions are still keen to re-sign uncontracted pair Kai Lohmann and Dev Robertson, who have strong interest from rivals.

Lohmann has interest from clubs including Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, while WA midfielder Robertson has interest from Victorian clubs as he considers his future.