Ryan Lester and Mitch Hinge will return to the Den in 2020 after both were offered one-year contracts.



2020 will be Lester’s tenth season with the Lions. The 27-year-old has played 126 games and kicked 45 goals since being drafted to the Club with Pick No. 28 at the 2010 AFL National Draft.



As a utility, Lester can swing between the forward and backline and played nine senior games for the Lions in 2019.



Hinge’s re-signing for a fourth year at the Club sees him elevated off the rookie list to the senior list.



In 2019 Hinge made his long-awaited debut for the Lions in Round 9’s win over Adelaide. He played two senior games and kicked one goal.



Both Hinge and Lester played in the undefeated NEAFL team’s Grand Final win over the Southport Sharks.



General Manager of Football David Noble said the pair had worked hard to earn another contract.



“Ryan is a person that is well respected by everyone at our football Club due to his manner and drive to improve himself as a player,” Noble said.



“Being a part of our leadership group, he provides great input into the direction and decision making of the Club from a leader’s perspective.



“Mitch showed terrific improvement in his game this year, making his debut into a pretty settled team.



“He showed he has the skills to play at the level and now the challenge in front of him is to secure a regular position in the team, with his run, competitiveness and ability to play in several positions.”



Oscar McInerney, like Hinge, has also been elevated off the rookie list to the senior list.