Berry good deals for Lions pair
JARROD Berry has left no doubt over his belief Brisbane are bound for success by signing a bumper long-term deal with the club.
Berry’s four-year extension, on top of his existing deal which did not expire until the end of next year, means he will be at the club until the end of 2024.
“I just believe in what we are doing. I believe in the staff, our players, our game plan and I think success is not too far around the corner,’’ he said.
The Lions have also shown faith in younger brother Tom, 18, who was also given a twoyear extension before he has played a senior game.
“It is very rewarding being able to sign on so early in my career and to lock myself down for a few years,’’ Tom said.
“And also knowing I will have at least four years with Jarrod is great for me and our family.’’
The brothers, who lost their mother to cancer in 2013, are especially close.
Jarrod spent yesterday moving into the home he bought in Camp Hill, and Tom will be his flat mate for the next few years.
Jarrod, 21, has quickly established himself as a key player for the Lions since being taken with the club’s second pick and 17th overall in the 2015 draft.
This season, his third in the AFL, saw him promoted as the youngest member of the club’s leadership group.
He has been called an old head on young shoulders and although he isn’t overly enamoured with the description, he admits he was forced to grow up quickly when his mother Jedda passed away.
Jarrod also became accustomed to living away from home when he went to boarding school as a 16-year-old.
“I moved away from home at 16 and at a boarding school you network and find people who share the same values as you, and that’s what I have done here at Brisbane also.”