The Brisbane Lions today completed paperwork which will see former Richmond utility Luke McGuane join the Club as a delisted free agent.

McGuane, 26, will now return home to Queensland for the first time since he was originally drafted to the Tigers from Broadbeach with Pick No.36 at the 2004 AFL National Draft.

He has since played 105 senior AFL matches in nine seasons with the Tigers, most of which have been spent playing in defence.

However, McGuane was shifted forward late in 2012 and has booted 35 of his 39 career goals from his past 21 games.

Lions General Manager – Football Operations, Dean Warren, said McGuane would prove a valuable addition to the Lions’ list.

“We believe Luke will add some real depth and experience to our list,” Warren said.  

“He’s a good size (192cm) and brings a great deal of versatility to the Club considering he’s played at both ends of the ground and on a wide range of opponents.”

“He also knows Justin (Leppitsch) well from his time at Richmond, so is already familiar with the game style that Justin will  implement”

McGuane said he was thrilled to be continuing his AFL career in Brisbane.

“After almost a decade at Richmond, I felt like I needed a change of scenery and Brisbane was always my preferred destination,” McGuane said.

“The decision was largely based on the fact that I grew up in Queensland, but it also helped that I had an existing relationship with ‘Leppa’.”

“He was my backline coach when I played in defence and then my offensive coach when I was shifted forward. So we’ve spent plenty of time together over the years.”

“I’m really excited about being part of the Lions and hope that I can contribute towards the Club’s future success.”

McGuane will join his new teammates at the Club’s first pre-season training session tomorrow and travel to Arizona with the rest of the squad on Wednesday morning.