Zac Bailey has backflipped on the Adelaide Crows to stay with the Brisbane Lions.
The star midfielder has penned a monster eight-year extension to remain with Brisbane after earlier this year being linked with monster offers from the Crows and Essendon.
The extension will see Bailey remain with the Lions through to the end of the 2034 season.
The news comes just days before the Lions face the Crows in a do-or-die semi-final at the Gabba on Saturday.
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The top free agent was weighing up strong interest from the Crows on a more lucrative deal.
It was reported last month the Lions were not able to match a seven-year offer worth around $10 million from the South Australian club.
The 26-year-old was previously reported to have been seriously considering the move to Adelaide, but Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has said throughout the contract saga he was “optimistic” Bailey would re-sign with the club.
“I’m absolutely rapt to be staying at the Brisbane Lions,” Bailey said.
“I love the environment here, the players, coaches and staff who all make it a great place to be and I feel like this club continues to bring the best out of me.
“This club means so much to me. I came here as a young player and have grown up here and to know I will be here long term is something I’m really proud of.
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“I would like to thank the club, my partner Em, my family and my management for being so supportive throughout this process.
“I love what we as a club have achieved during my time here and I am super excited about what we can continue to achieve together.”
Bailey’s news comes on a huge day on the AFL trade market with Lions superstar Lachie Neale being accused of making contact with Collingwood to inquire about possible guernsey numbers he could wear should he move to the Melbourne goliath.
Footy pundit Kane Cornes on Monday said Neale did not look like he was putting everything on the line during the Lions’ qualifying final loss to Sydney.
According to reports, Neale has already decided he wants to play for Collingwood in 2027. Neale is an uncontracted free agent and the Lions will be forced to let him leave while hoping to receive substantial free agency compensation from the AFL.
In other big trade news, St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall has officially requested a trade, despite remaining contracted with the Saints.
St Kilda confirmed on Tuesday Marshall has informed the club he wants out.
The Saints have plenty of power in trade negotiations because of the extra season running on Marshall’s deal.
“Rowan is a highly valued member of the St Kilda Football Club and remains contracted until the end of 2027,” the club statement read.
“Marshall has not nominated a preferred destination at this stage, with the club making clear that any trade will need to be in the best interests of the St Kilda Football Club.
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“The club will now consider its options ahead of the trade period.”
The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph reported on Monday night Marshall wants to be traded to Geelong.
According to the report, the Bulldogs and Essendon are also interested in Marshall.
The Bulldogs have their own trade dilemma with ruckman Tim English also exploring a move to another club despite having a contract with the Dogs for 2027.
The Demons have also reportedly shown cult hero Jack Viney the door and have encouraged the premiership midfielder to explore a trade to another club.
The 32-year-old was told at his exit meeting he would have limited opportunities in 2027 as Steven King and his coaching staff focus on youth, as reported by the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark.
Viney is contracted for another two seasons on more than $700,000 a year, having considered his future back in 2024 when he won the club’s best and fairest for a second time.