The Brisbane Lions are pleased to welcome back Cian Hanley after he was granted special dispensation by the AFL to rejoin the Lions for a fourth year on the Category B Rookie list.

Hanley was first signed by the Lions as an International Rookie at Pick No. 56 during the 2014 AFL Rookie Draft.

Since signing with the Club, Hanley had an unfortunate run of injuries which saw him sidelined for his first two years.

Hanley had a strong season with the NEAFL side this year, playing 16 matches and averaging 13 disposals per game.

He finished the year as a premiership player with the Lions NEAFL side and will benefit greatly from a full pre-season heading into 2018.

The Lions' General Manager of Football David Noble said he was keen to give Hanley another chance.

“We feel Cian has not had the opportunity to prove himself at the Club, due to unforeseen circumstances and a horrific run of injuries," Noble said.

"He performed really well for our NEAFL team in the back end of the year, so we were really keen to give him another chance.”

The Lions looks forward to seeing more of Hanley's elite agility and endurance on display next season.

Welcome back, Cian!