"Fages, all the coaches I've had to develop off, I've built such a great relationship and I can't picture myself anywhere else or starting anywhere else."
Brisbane livewire Rhys Mathieson has extended his stay with the Lions, inking a new two-year deal to remain at the club until the end of the 2023 season.
Announced via AFL.com.au, the deal will see 'Beast Mode' add to his 62 games for the Lions, with his first match in Maroon, Blue and Gold coming in 2016.
RHYS MATHIESON
MidfielderBrisbane
2021 SEASON AVG
11.3
Disposals2.6
Tackles2.3
Clearances
The 24-year-old has since gone on to play a key role in Brisbane's rise toward premiership contention, a journey Mathieson has enjoyed.
"I'm pretty stoked to be able to stay at this club that I love so much," Mathieson said following the announcement.
"The boys are my best mates, they're people I hang out with in the off-season. They're like a family to me.
"I'd love to be playing every week, but we've got a pretty good core midfield group.
"I look at it as a positive that it's going to help me develop into a better footballer.
"To have those guys around me like Lachie Neale, JL (Jarryd Lyons) and Zorks (Dayne Zorko), that's a pretty good core right there to learn off.
"I feel like when I come in and get a game I'm pretty well prepared and have the best mentors in that group.
"Fages, all the coaches I've had to develop off, I've built such a great relationship and I can't picture myself anywhere else or starting anywhere else."