The Brisbane Lions have moved to prolong their stay towards the top of the men's and women's competitions locking in Indigenous stars Ally Anderson and Keidan Coleman with three-year extensions.
Anderson, who won her second AFLW premiership late last year, will remain at the club until at least 2026 in the new deal while Coleman stays put until the following year.
The women's star and 2022 competition best-and-fairest, Anderson enjoyed another strong campaign this year averaging 24 disposals, six tackles and 4.5 clearances in the Lions' push towards a second flag.
The 29-year-old also claimed her second All Australian nod and third club best and fairest in 2023.
Anderson has been a pillar of Brisbane's success over the history of the competition within their engine room.
Dispute wobbles though the season, previous finals success and an experience list showed at the pointy end.
"We've learned how to win those hard games, and we've learned to fight to the end. It's definitely been a really good thing this year, having those downs because it's made us stronger in the mind much more determined," Anderson said ahead of December's decider.
First Nations teammates Dakota Davidson and Courtney Hodder played key roles in the recent flag with solid contributions.
On putting pen to paper this week, Anderson said "there's nowhere I'd rather be".
"I love this team and everything we have built here and I'm excited for what is to come," she said.
"We've had a great 2023 for both our AFLW and AFL teams and I can't wait to see where the next three years will take us as a group and as a club."
Anderson said she is "help the next generation" coming through the ranks at the Lions, and
Anderson also melted hearts in a kind display with a young fan on accepting her premiership medal.
Coleman's premiership fortunes weren't as lucky in 2023 as the Lions fell short in a heartbreaker to Collingwood in September's men's grand final.
The 23-year-old was Brisbane's best with with 26 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency across their half back on the day.
A Norm Smith Medal all but beckoned had the Lions snatched the win in their first appearance in the decider for 20 years; falling short to Pies forward Bobby Hill, who kicked four in the contest.
Coleman was unlucky to missing out on the All Australian squad after cementing himself as one of the AFL's best back flankers steering much of his side's penetration up with the ground with a left boot rated amongst the best in footy.
He said he was "relieved..bless and greatful" to extend his time at the club.
"The club is at a very good spot. It was a no-brainer"
"I just want to contribute in the best way possible. It was bittersweet at the end of not winning the granny...hopefully (I can) be a bit more consistent this year (2024) and get there again, and hopefully go one better."
He said the group are "hungrier" for premiership success after falling short in 2023.
Coleman's brother Blake exited the club at the end of the year before signing with VFL club Williamstown.
Both Coleman, originally an NT product, and Anderson started with the Lions through their pathway programs or academy.
Chief executive Greg Swann said Lions faithful should be rapt with the news of keeping the pair in the Queensland capital.
"Both players were instrumental in the Brisbane Lions making both the AFL and AFLW Grand Finals last year and now they will help drive the Club forward for at least another three years," he said,
"We are in an extremely exciting time for the Club across both the AFL and AFLW programs and this announcement should have all Brisbane Lions supporters delighted."
