Homesick young gun Josh Schache has made the surprise call to stay at the Brisbane Lions, knocking back a chance to return to Melbourne by re-signing with the AFL battlers for another two seasons.
The Lions had been sweating on a response from the in-demand key forward after the 2015 national draft No.2 pick returned on Monday from a two-week stay mulling over his future at his hometown of Seymour.
The 19-year-old had been tipped to leave the Lions, with Richmond, Carlton and Collingwood among a group of clubs understood to be chasing his signature.
The second-year player had been expected to demand offers worth up to $700,000 a season from a Melbourne-based team.
However, Schache has opted to stay on what is believed to be a deal worth $350,000 a year.
“Having been at the Lions for a couple of years and seeing where we are headed, I’m really excited about our future,” said Schache, who was off contract this year.
Schache has played 23 matches for the Lions since making his senior debut last year.
Brisbane football manager David Noble claimed he was always confident Schache would end months of speculation and put pen to paper.
“We’re extremely pleased to retain a player of Josh’s talent. At only 19 he has shown his ability to play at AFL level and his future is exciting,” he said.
“We were always confident Josh would stay, as he has a part to play in our future as we continue to grow united as a club.
“Josh can now focus on his development as both a player and a person within our club systems.”
Schache was granted two weeks’ leave by the Lions after he was dropped to the reserves and put in a disinterested four-possession performance in the NEAFL.
He played 17 games in his debut AFL season.
Lions coach Chris Fagan had warned Schache that he would not be considered for selection again this year if he opted to sign with another club.
“I guess if a guy decides he’s going to leave your footy club, he’s not going to help you into the future and you’re not in the finals race, you’d probably have to think twice about getting games into him as opposed to another young player,” Fagan said this week.
The Lions are yet to confirm whether Schache will run out for the Lions in Saturday’s Gabba clash with Fremantle.