In a major show of loyalty, Jarrod Berry has extended his contract with the Brisbane Lions for a further four years seeing him at the Club until at least the end of 2024, having already been contracted until 2020.

His brother Thomas has also signed on for a further two years, taking his contract to the end of 2022.

Jarrod was drafted to the Club in 2016 with Pick No. 17 and made his debut in Round 3, 2018. Since then he has established himself as a tough midfielder with 43 AFL games to his name. At the start of the 2019 season he was elevated to the Lions eight-man leadership group.

The 21-year-old said his decision came down to belief in his teammates, staff and the direction the Club was going in.

“I believe in what the staff are doing and what Fages [Senior Coach Chris Fagan] and Nobes [General Manager of Football David Noble] have created with the Club since I got here,” he said.

“I feel like success is not far away and I want to be part of that, hence the four years.”

Jarrod has played all six games for the Lions this year and is averaging 17 disposals and four tackles a game.

Thomas was drafted with the Club’s 36th pick at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. The 19-year-old is still to make his AFL debut but has showed promise in the NEAFL competition. Thomas has played an important role in all four victories and is averaging 17 disposals and four tackles a game.

He said signing on for an extra two years was an easy decision.

“It felt like family straight away, it’s a really welcoming club and I got along with a lot of the boys,” he said.

“I feel like there are parts of my game that have improved but also parts that I need to continue improving but I’ve got some great support around me.”

General Manager of Football David Noble said the Berry brothers’ long-term signatures demonstrated the Club’s growth over the past few seasons.

“Having Jarrod and Tom committing to the Club and understanding the direction we are taking, is a fantastic sign,” he said.

“By re-signing Jarrod to a long-term contract, we believe that as a recognised leader in our Club, his contribution of that leadership to our culture, growth and stability is extremely important.

“He not only works on this part of his role at the Club but continues to look for improvements in his game as he continues to form a key part of our midfield group.”

Noble said since arriving in Brisbane, Thomas had impressed with his work ethic and commitment.

“Tom has displayed real drive and dedication as an aspiring AFL player and has shown strong signs early as to the level of competitiveness and intensity in his game,” he said.

“He is a player that has taken on various roles through pre-season and look forward to his growth throughout the year.”

Jarrod will line up in the centreline against the Sydney Swans tomorrow afternoon at The Gabba, with Thomas to play for the NEAFL side earlier that day.



