Mayo man Hanley 'delighted' to extend Brisbane stay

Mayo's Pearce Hanley has reportedly agreed a new five-year contract with Australian Rules side Brisbane Lions, with the deal set to be confirmed by the Queensland club tomorrow.

Hanley has become a key player for the Lions over the past three seasons. The speedy half-back/wing man has scored five goals in his last three AFL Premiership outings and is currently ranked 40th on the AFL's official player rankings list.

News of the 24-year-old's re-signing will come as a welcome boost for Brisbane fans after the club sacked head coach Michael Voss last week despite a run of five wins in eight matches.

Hanley told the Courier Mail newspaper of his new deal: "It was just a matter of getting the right contract. There was no rush, I wasn't going anywhere.

"It's just a coincidence that I'm signing this week after all that has happened at the club with Vossy.

"I love the club. We are a tight playing group, a really united playing group. I'm delighted that I'm staying."

The Ballaghaderreen native's skill, pace on the ball and kicking ability have won him plenty of fans, with a number of his goals featuring on YouTube this season - including a couple of crackers dubbed 'Pearce de resistance' and 'Irish swing' from a victory over North Melbourne last month.

He is being tipped to win Brisbane's best and fairest award for his consistent displays throughout the current campaign, while some observers reckon he will be selected on the All-Australian team - Aussie Rules' equivalent of the GAA All-Stars - in the coming years.

In the past two seasons, the former Mayo senior panellist was placed joint-fourth and third respectively for Brisbane's best and fairest honour.

Hanley's reputation continues to grow Down Under, with a current average of 22 disposals per game and he has chipped in with 18 goals and eight behinds so far in the 2013 AFL Premiership.