Brisbane midfielder McCluggage knocks back Victorian offers to sign monster Lions deal

The biggest fish in the free agency pool has put pen to paper, with Hugh McCluggage agreeing to a monster deal with the Brisbane Lions.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. April 11, 2024. AFL. Round 5. Melbourne vs. Brisbane at the MCG. Hugh McCluggage of the Lions celebrates a 2nd quarter goal. Pic: Michael Klein

Brisbane free agent Hugh McCluggage has knocked back big money offers from rival clubs to sign a seven-year contract extension keeping him at the Lions until at least the end of 2031.

McCluggage, 26, was courted by a host of clubs from his home state of Victoria including Collingwood, St Kilda, Essendon and Geelong as the AFL’s most in-demand free agent.

Instead the Warrnambool product will become Brisbane’s next million-dollar man on a deal that will take him through to his age 33 season.

The vice-captain has long declared his desire to remain in Brisbane and this latest deal, expected to be announced by the club this week, should make him a Lion for life.

It continues a theme of big name players signing to or re-signing with the Lions, who have built an enviable culture under Chris Fagan.

McCluggage’s school mate and fellow draftee Jarrod Berry will be the next piece of business for the Lions. He is also off-contract at the end of this season and has a multi-year deal in front of him.

Brisbane plays the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.