Latest news with #JaspaFletcher
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Over the moon': Fletcher eyes one-club career at Lions
Brisbane Lions young gun Jaspa Fletcher intends to be a one-club player and even dreams of being a future captain. A father-son pick taken with No.12 in the 2022 draft, Fletcher will stay put until the end of 2030 after adding another four years to his contract. The 21-year-old, son of former Lions player Adrian, was already signed on for the 2026 season. Fletcher joked he wanted to outdo his dad, who played a total of 231 games with Brisbane, Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle. "For the chance to commit long term, I thought that was a no-brainer for me," Fletcher said on Tuesday. "I'd love to be a one-club player. I know my dad's been at a few, but I'd like to have the edge over him in that. "To be at this club and be a one-club player here would be an absolute honour. Fletcher has emerged as one of Brisbane's finest young talents and hasn't missed a game since making his debut in 2023. Dangerous on the wing or in defence, he has already played in two grand finals - winning one - in his 59-game career ahead of this week's QClash against Gold Coast. But praise for Fletcher isn't limited to his on-field talent, with Lions co-captain and two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale endorsing the young star as a captain in waiting. "I was honoured when I heard Lachie say that," Fletcher said. "If that's the case, I'll be super stoked and happy to take that role on board, but at the same time, I know we've got a lot of great young leaders here. "We've got some great people at the club that can help me, and I'll be looking to pick up what the other boys have experienced as leaders." Brisbane Lions young gun Jaspa Fletcher intends to be a one-club player and even dreams of being a future captain. A father-son pick taken with No.12 in the 2022 draft, Fletcher will stay put until the end of 2030 after adding another four years to his contract. The 21-year-old, son of former Lions player Adrian, was already signed on for the 2026 season. Fletcher joked he wanted to outdo his dad, who played a total of 231 games with Brisbane, Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle. "For the chance to commit long term, I thought that was a no-brainer for me," Fletcher said on Tuesday. "I'd love to be a one-club player. I know my dad's been at a few, but I'd like to have the edge over him in that. "To be at this club and be a one-club player here would be an absolute honour. Fletcher has emerged as one of Brisbane's finest young talents and hasn't missed a game since making his debut in 2023. Dangerous on the wing or in defence, he has already played in two grand finals - winning one - in his 59-game career ahead of this week's QClash against Gold Coast. But praise for Fletcher isn't limited to his on-field talent, with Lions co-captain and two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale endorsing the young star as a captain in waiting. "I was honoured when I heard Lachie say that," Fletcher said. "If that's the case, I'll be super stoked and happy to take that role on board, but at the same time, I know we've got a lot of great young leaders here. "We've got some great people at the club that can help me, and I'll be looking to pick up what the other boys have experienced as leaders." Brisbane Lions young gun Jaspa Fletcher intends to be a one-club player and even dreams of being a future captain. A father-son pick taken with No.12 in the 2022 draft, Fletcher will stay put until the end of 2030 after adding another four years to his contract. The 21-year-old, son of former Lions player Adrian, was already signed on for the 2026 season. Fletcher joked he wanted to outdo his dad, who played a total of 231 games with Brisbane, Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle. "For the chance to commit long term, I thought that was a no-brainer for me," Fletcher said on Tuesday. "I'd love to be a one-club player. I know my dad's been at a few, but I'd like to have the edge over him in that. "To be at this club and be a one-club player here would be an absolute honour. Fletcher has emerged as one of Brisbane's finest young talents and hasn't missed a game since making his debut in 2023. Dangerous on the wing or in defence, he has already played in two grand finals - winning one - in his 59-game career ahead of this week's QClash against Gold Coast. But praise for Fletcher isn't limited to his on-field talent, with Lions co-captain and two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale endorsing the young star as a captain in waiting. "I was honoured when I heard Lachie say that," Fletcher said. "If that's the case, I'll be super stoked and happy to take that role on board, but at the same time, I know we've got a lot of great young leaders here. "We've got some great people at the club that can help me, and I'll be looking to pick up what the other boys have experienced as leaders."
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
'Over the moon': Fletcher eyes one-club career at Lions
Brisbane Lions young gun Jaspa Fletcher intends to be a one-club player and even dreams of being a future captain. A father-son pick taken with No.12 in the 2022 draft, Fletcher will stay put until the end of 2030 after adding another four years to his contract. The 21-year-old, son of former Lions player Adrian, was already signed on for the 2026 season. Fletcher joked he wanted to outdo his dad, who played a total of 231 games with Brisbane, Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle. "For the chance to commit long term, I thought that was a no-brainer for me," Fletcher said on Tuesday. "I'd love to be a one-club player. I know my dad's been at a few, but I'd like to have the edge over him in that. "To be at this club and be a one-club player here would be an absolute honour. "It's been my dream to run out at the Gabba since I was a little boy, so to be able to continue to do that, I'm over the moon." Fletcher has emerged as one of Brisbane's finest young talents and hasn't missed a game since making his debut in 2023. Dangerous on the wing or in defence, he has already played in two grand finals - winning one - in his 59-game career ahead of this week's QClash against Gold Coast. But praise for Fletcher isn't limited to his on-field talent, with Lions co-captain and two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale endorsing the young star as a captain in waiting. "I was honoured when I heard Lachie say that," Fletcher said. "If that's the case, I'll be super stoked and happy to take that role on board, but at the same time, I know we've got a lot of great young leaders here. "We've got some great people at the club that can help me, and I'll be looking to pick up what the other boys have experienced as leaders."
The Australian
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
AFL: Emerging Lions star Jaspa Fletcher recommits to Brisbane
Emerging star Jaspa Fletcher has declared his intention to be a Lion for life after signing a contract extension that will keep him in Brisbane at least until the end of 2030. Fletcher, 21, was already under contract for next season and jumped at the chance to lengthen his stay with the reigning premiers when offered a further four-year deal. 'I just wanted to commit to the club,' the son of former Bears, Lions, Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle player Adrian Fletcher said. 'They've given so much to me. I've been through the academy up here, my dad's played up here as well, and for the chance to commit long term, I thought that was a no-brainer for me. 'I'd love to be a one-club player. I know my dad's been at a few, but I'd like to have the edge over him in that, and to be at this club and be a one-club player here would be an absolute honour. 'It's been my dream to run out at the Gabba since I was a little boy, so to be able to continue to do that, I'm over the moon.' Jaspa Fletcher is delighted to continue his career long term at the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images The No.12 pick in the 2022 draft, Fletcher hasn't missed a game for Brisbane since making his AFL debut in the Lions' 16-point win over Sydney on June 16, 2023. However, despite the consistency in selection, playing in two successive grand finals, and winning a premiership last season, Fletcher admitted he wasn't entirely pleased with his form in 2024. 'I've been pretty open about it. I didn't have a year that I was quite happy with,' he said. 'I know as a team, I was super stoked to go there and hold the (premiership) cup up, but for me personally, I thought I could add a little bit more, and in the off-season, I got to work on things that I think are my strengths but also where I need to grow.' The work has paid off, with the versatile Fletcher having consistently been one of Brisbane's best performers in the club's bid to secure back-to-back premierships. 'I obviously want to continually get better at it, but I've been able to have a bit more impact this year,' he said. Having played his junior football as an inside midfielder, Fletcher has this season shown his class in a variety of positions. 'I just want to play wherever the team needs me. If that's on the wing, if that's down half-back, or if that's up forward or in the middle, I'll do whatever it takes to put my best foot forward and play my role in the team,' he said. Lions football manager Danny Daly said Fletcher also had the qualities to be a 'future leader' of the club. Jaspa Fletcher is congratulated by fans after Brisbane's win over Richmond at the MCG in April. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images A similar leadership endorsement for Fletcher has come previously from Lions co-captain and two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale, who tipped his teammate to eventually become Brisbane's skipper. 'I was honoured when I heard Lachie say that. If that's the case, I'll be super stoked and happy to take that role on-board, but at the same time, I know we've got a lot of great young leaders here, and Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley do a great job as vice-captains as well,' said Fletcher, who has previously captained the under-18 Allies team. 'We've got some great people at the club that can help me with (leadership), and I'll be looking to pick up what the other boys have experienced as leaders.' The second-placed Lions can maintain the pressure on leaders Collingwood with a win over Gold Coast in Saturday's QClash at People First Stadium. 'They (the Suns) have been playing some really good footy too, and they're in the hunt for the finals, as a lot of teams are at the moment, and every QClash is a real contest,' Fletcher said. 'We know they'll play their great footy and their brand at the moment, and we're looking forward to the opportunity.' Marco Monteverde Sports reporter Marco Monteverde is a Brisbane-based sports reporter for NCA Newswire. He worked in a similar role for The Courier-Mail from 2007 to 2020. During a journalism career of more than 25 years, he has also worked for The Queensland Times, The Sunshine Coast Daily, The Fraser Coast Chronicle and The North West Star. He has covered three FIFA World Cups and the 2000 Sydney Olympics, as well as a host of other major sporting events in Australia and around the world. @marcothejourno Marco Monteverde
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Jaspa Fletcher signs four-year contract extension with Brisbane Lions
Emerging star Jaspa Fletcher has declared his intention to be a Lion for life after signing a contract extension that will keep him in Brisbane at least until the end of 2030. Fletcher, 21, was already under contract for next season and jumped at the chance to lengthen his stay with the reigning premiers when offered a further four-year deal. 'I just wanted to commit to the club,' the son of former Bears, Lions, Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle player Adrian Fletcher said. 'They've given so much to me. I've been through the academy up here, my dad's played up here as well, and for the chance to commit long term, I thought that was a no-brainer for me. 'I'd love to be a one-club player. I know my dad's been at a few, but I'd like to have the edge over him in that, and to be at this club and be a one-club player here would be an absolute honour. 'It's been my dream to run out at the Gabba since I was a little boy, so to be able to continue to do that, I'm over the moon.' The No.12 pick in the 2022 draft, Fletcher hasn't missed a game for Brisbane since making his AFL debut in the Lions' 16-point win over Sydney on June 16, 2023. However, despite the consistency in selection, playing in two successive grand finals, and winning a premiership last season, Fletcher admitted he wasn't entirely pleased with his form in 2024. 'I've been pretty open about it. I didn't have a year that I was quite happy with,' he said. 'I know as a team, I was super stoked to go there and hold the (premiership) cup up, but for me personally, I thought I could add a little bit more, and in the off-season, I got to work on things that I think are my strengths but also where I need to grow.' The work has paid off, with the versatile Fletcher having consistently been one of Brisbane's best performers in the club's bid to secure back-to-back premierships. 'I obviously want to continually get better at it, but I've been able to have a bit more impact this year,' he said. Having played his junior football as an inside midfielder, Fletcher has this season shown his class in a variety of positions. 'I just want to play wherever the team needs me. If that's on the wing, if that's down half-back, or if that's up forward or in the middle, I'll do whatever it takes to put my best foot forward and play my role in the team,' he said. Lions football manager Danny Daly said Fletcher also had the qualities to be a 'future leader' of the club. A similar leadership endorsement for Fletcher has come previously from Lions co-captain and two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale, who tipped his teammate to eventually become Brisbane's skipper. 'I was honoured when I heard Lachie say that. If that's the case, I'll be super stoked and happy to take that role on-board, but at the same time, I know we've got a lot of great young leaders here, and Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley do a great job as vice-captains as well,' said Fletcher, who has previously captained the under-18 Allies team. 'We've got some great people at the club that can help me with (leadership), and I'll be looking to pick up what the other boys have experienced as leaders.' The second-placed Lions can maintain the pressure on leaders Collingwood with a win over Gold Coast in Saturday's QClash at People First Stadium. 'They (the Suns) have been playing some really good footy too, and they're in the hunt for the finals, as a lot of teams are at the moment, and every QClash is a real contest,' Fletcher said. 'We know they'll play their great footy and their brand at the moment, and we're looking forward to the opportunity.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'It'll all pan out': Kiddy's return gives Fagan options
Chris Fagan isn't sure how he'll distribute his embarrassment of halfback riches but is confident Keidean Coleman's return won't stifle Dayne Zorko. Coleman will play against Melbourne on Sunday at the Gabba, 14 months after suffering a knee injury in last year's season opener. His last complete AFL game was the 2023 grand final in which he dominated the first half with incisive, aggressive kicking and finished runner-up in the Norm Smith Medal voting. Coleman's injury allowed the versatile Zorko to shift back into defence, where the veteran flourished and earned All-Australian honours in their premiership season. Emerging pair Jaspa Fletcher and Darcy Wilmot have shown dare, poise and accuracy transitioning into attack, trademarks that have become non-negotiable for good teams in modern football. "It's not just Kiddy (Coleman) ... Zorko is probably the best in the competition at it, Jaspa Fletcher, Darcy Wilmot too," Fagan said on Saturday. "It's great to have those sorts of players in the modern game ... to change angles and break through team defences and Kiddy adds another layer." They can't all fit at once though, Coleman's return at the expense of the concussed Jarrod Berry likely to push Wilmot, Fletcher and Zorko to the wings or further forward in a new-look rotation. Fagan is confident Zorko and Coleman can combine as halfback weapons but, with midfielder or wing Berry only a short-term out, won't predict how things will look later this season. "They can both play there but Zorko can play in a lot of positions, so can Jaspa and Darcy," he said. "It'll all pan out. I'm not 100 per cent certain what it'll look like down the track. "Sometimes injuries unfortunately have a say, so we'll wait and see." Brisbane have spluttered at times in their premiership defence but still sit on top of the ladder at 7-1-1 following a draw with lowly North Melbourne last Sunday. Fagan acknowledged they were lucky to escape with a draw in Hobart but remains unruffled with a longer-term view. "It's just a point in time. I'd rather be there than not there, but a lot of challenges still to come," he said. Darcy Fort has been omitted from the side, Eric Hipwood tasked with deputising for Oscar McInerney in the ruck and Conor McKenna also back in the fray. The Demons (3-6) are 15th but won three straight before losing to Hawthorn last week. Coach Simon Goodwin has recalled first-year forward Aidan Johnson for his third AFL outing, while Jake Melksham and Harrison Petty are also back in a big boost. Jacob van Rooyen, Koltyn Tholstrup and Matthew Jefferson were all dropped.
