Brisbane Lions news: Brandon Starcevich signs one-year contract extension to end of 2025

The Lions remain right in the thick of the premiership window, and have locked down one of their most valuable players as they hope to go one better in 2024.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Brandon Starcevich of the Lions kicks during the round 19 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns at The Gabba on July 23, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Medium defender Brandon Starcevich has penned a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Brisbane until at least the end of the 2025 season.

The 24-year-old was due to come off-contract at the end of 2024 however the Lions moved swiftly to extend the ever-reliable defender, who has missed just one game in the past three seasons.

Starcevich enjoyed an uber-consistent 2023 campaign, featuring in every game – including the grand final – and finished equal-fifth in the club’s best and fairest count.

Brandon Starcevich has signed a one-year extension with the Lions. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

After going so close to winning the flag this year, the West Australian said the club was “on the verge of something special” and he was eager to play a part in future premiership pursuits.

“We have an exciting list made up of a great group of guys who I love playing with and I am glad to get to do that for at least the next two years,” he said.

“Although we were grand finalists this season there’s still plenty of improvement in myself and the team, so I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can achieve.”

The Lions landed Starcevich with pick 18 in the 2017 national draft.

After playing just five games in his first two seasons, he became a plug-and-play starter for coach Chris Fagan in 2020 and has not looked back.

He is often the go-to man to match up on the opposition’s most dangerous small forward – doing the dirty jobs so that the likes of Keidean Coleman, Darcy Wilmot and Conor McKenna can join the attack.

Starcevich played every game in season 2023 and finished top-five in Brisbane’s best and fairest. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Brisbane footy boss Danny Daly said Starcevich’s top-five finish in the best and fairest showed how much he was valued by his teammates and coaches.

“Brandon has played a key role in helping the club get back to the top end of the ladder and we are thrilled to have him recommit as we aim for future success,” Daly said.

“He is coming off another strong season where he finished top five in our best and fairest as a key player in our defensive end.

“Keeping players and people like Brandon at our football club is very important to our future, so having him extend his time here is great news.”