‘So grateful’: Brisbane’s timely finals boost

The Brisbane Lions have received an emotional bump ahead of Saturday’s preliminary final showdown with Geelong after co-captain Harris Andrews inked a four-year contract extension set to make him a Lion for life.

Andrews, 27, was already contracted for next year and will now be with the club until at least the end of the 2029 season.

The two-time All-Australian and club best and fairest winner said he’s “extremely optimistic” about the future for a team looking to progress to a second-straight AFL grand final.

“I’m so grateful and excited to commit to the club for another few years,” Andrews said.

“I love the people, culture and supporters who all contribute to making my job the best in the world.

“The Brisbane Lions have nurtured my journey as a person, player and leader for the past 10 years, and I couldn’t be more appreciative to extend my time at the club.

“I’m extremely optimistic about this playing group and can’t wait to continue to drive the club towards success.”

“I’m very excited about the future.”

Having debuted for the Lions in 2015, Andrews has made 210 AFL appearances and is well on target to play more than 300 games for the club.

“The opportunity for that to happen is really exciting. The idea of playing my career at one club is really entertaining for me. I just love being a part of this group,” he said.

“I won’t forecast or look too far ahead, but it’s really exciting to have a bit of security for myself and for the club as well, I feel like we’re building nicely.”

Andrews’ immediate focus is helping the Lions beat the Cats at the MCG.

“They’re a quality football club,” he said of Geelong.

“They’ve had unbelievable sustained success over the last 15 years.

“Clearly it’s going to be a great challenge. They’re a great football team but we’re super excited about the opportunity that lays ahead of us.”

Brisbane football boss Danny Daly said Andrews was “everything you want in a person, player and leader”.

“Which is why we are extremely fortunate to have him at the Lions,” Daly said.

“It’s a real credit to him and the way his parents Wayne and Wendy have done such a great job in raising him into the person he is.

“He joined our club as a young graduate from the Lions Academy and he is now the co-captain of the Brisbane Lions, which is pretty special.

“He has worked extremely hard to become one of the best intercepting defenders in the competition and it’s no fluke he has won our Most Professional Player Award four times.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to have Harris, his partner Emily and their families staying at the Brisbane Lions for at least another four years.”