Brisbane hybrid midfielder-forward Zac Bailey has committed to the Lions long-term in a massive contract extension.
Bailey will remain at the club until 2034 after signing an eight-year extension with the Lions, who drafted him with Pick 15 back in 2017.
The club announced the news via its website on Tuesday, with Bailey expressing his gratitude to the Lions.
“I'm absolutely rapt to be staying at the Brisbane Lions,” Bailey said.
“I love the environment here, the players, coaches and staff who all make it a great place to be and I feel like this club continues to bring the best out of me.
“This club means so much to me - I came here as a young player and have grown up here and to know I will be here long-term is something I'm really proud of.
“I love what we as a club have achieved during my time here and I am super excited about what we can continue to achieve together.”
According to Seven, the 26-year-old turned down a more lucrative offer from Adelaide, which would have seen him return home to South Australia.
Speculation had been rife from the beginning of the season over whether the two-time premiership player would depart the Lions and join the Crows.
Bailey was one of the biggest names in terms of free agents available in 2026 alongside the likes of Gold Coast's Ben King and Port Adelaide's Zak Butters, who are both expected to leave their respective clubs.
Brisbane Lions general manager of football Danny Daly said Bailey's signature was a big get for the club's future.
“Zac is a terrific player and an outstanding person, so to have him commit to the Brisbane Lions for the long term is fantastic for our football club,” Daly said.
“Zac loves the club, he loves living in Brisbane, and he has fully embraced the environment we have built at Brighton Homes Arena.
“There is no doubt Zac was highly sought after, so for him to choose to stay says a lot about his belief in the club, his teammates and the environment we have built here.
“Having Zac locked away until the end of 2034 is a great result for our football program and for our members and supporters."
Given the magnitude of the offer from Adelaide, it was widely expected Bailey would also leave at season's end, however, the Lions will be overjoyed by Bailey's decision to stay at the club long term.
The speedy Lion has been crucial for Brisbane across the club's dominant past four seasons. Playing in all three (and possibly four in a few week's time) grand finals.
Bailey was unlucky not to win the Norm Smith Medal last year after his impressive Grand Final showing against Geelong.
He collected 23 disposals and kicked 3.6 in the 47-point victory.
Bailey also earned his second straight All-Australian blazer in 2027 after kicking 31 goals from 23 games and averaging 21.7 disposals per game.
