AFL 2024: Jarrod Berry re-signs with Brisbane on five-year deal

Yet another potential free agent is off the table after Brisbane convinced an important midfielder to stay long term.

Another highly sought free agent is off the table after Brisbane capped off a major double signing coup with Jarrod Berry agreeing to a new five-year deal.

Berry followed close friend and fellow 2016 draft pick Hugh McCluggage into signing a long-term deal on Tuesday, with the tall midfielder to remain a Lion until at least the end of 2029.

It comes as the Lions also locked away Charlie Cameron on a three-year contract extension which will take the star forward through until the end of 2028.

The signatures of McCluggage and Berry leave a sparse field of free agents for clubs to target at the season’s end despite many having room in their salary caps to attempt to lure a big name.

Berry, 26, said he wanted to reward the club’s faith in him by signing the new deal.

Important Brisbane midfielder Jarrod Berry, who was due to be a restricted free agent at the season’s end, has signed a new five-year deal. Picture: Chris Hyde / Getty Images

“It is a pretty awesome moment, super proud of my journey so far and being able to stick with the one club is pretty special to me. It was nice to see the club put their faith in me, and I’ll be here for a little bit longer,” Berry said.

“The people, the friendships, and bonds I’ve formed over the eight years I have been here and the people outside of the club that support me has been tremendous.

“It was pretty easy for me to not want to leave, and I feel like I’ve built a life up here and it’s been pretty good, so I am excited about the future.”

Berry has spent a greater proportion of playing time as an inside midfielder this season and has been statistically enjoying the best of his eight seasons.

The tough 192cm on-baller is averaging career highs for disposals (21.3), marks (5.9) and clearances (2.9) and has played every game this season.

Star small forward Charlie Cameron inked a three-year contract extension on Tuesday to remain a Lion until at least the end of 2028. Picture: James Elsby / Getty Images

Cameron, who was due to become a restricted free agent at the end of 2025, said he was excited to “finish my career off in Brisbane”.

The 29-year-old speedster has played 144 games for the Lions after 73 with Adelaide before his departure following the 2017 grand final defeat.

“I didn’t see myself leaving; I am enjoying my time here in Brisbane and I grew up here, went to school here, my partner is from here and I love the footy club and enjoy it here,” Cameron said.

“I felt like I’ve built a lot of connections here at the club with staff, players and coaches - so it was an easy decision to stay here in Brisbane.

“It’s always good to hear the fans sing ‘Country Roads’ and they obviously played a big factor in my decision.

“The fans because are so enjoyable to be around with the care and support they show to me and the other players is awesome and I can’t thank them enough.”