Blossoming Brisbane defender Brandon Starcevich has strengthened his ties in the Sunshine State, inking a extension to remain a Lion until the end of 2025.
While already contracted until the end of the 2024 season, the Western Australian opted to put any speculation regarding his future to bed early, with Brisbane announcing it had snared Starcevich's signature on Wednesday morning.
The deal will take Starcevich to the end of his eighth season in the River City, allowing the backman to meet the markers for restricted free agent status.
The 24-year-old becomes the second Lion since September's narrow defeat to recommit his future at the Gabba, joining former skipper Dayne Zorko who signed on in November.
Speaking on Wednesday, Starcevich claimed the Lions were on the precipice of premiership glory and that it was a no-brainer to stay on with so much on the line.
โAfter playing in the Grand Final and getting so close to a premiership, it shows the Club is on the verge of something special and I want to play a part in that,โ Starcevich told Lions Media.
โWe 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.
โAlthough we were grand finalist 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.โ
Brisbane's footy boss, Danny Daly expressed his joy at Starcevich's choice to remain in maroon, blue and gold, claiming the defender was a key pillar in the Lions' pursuit of their fourth post-merger premiership.
โBrandon has played a key role in helping the Club get back to the top end of the ladder and we are thrilled to have re-commit as we aim for future success,โ Daly said.
โHe is coming off another strong season where he finished top five in our Best and Fairest as a key player in our defensive end.
โKeeping 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.โ
Following the Christmas break, Starcevich's Lions do battle with Sydney at Blacktown during the Community Series before locking horns with Carlton in a preliminary final rematch in the 2024 season's Opening Round.
