THE BRISBANE Lions have received a rare piece of good news in what has been a challenging off-season with defender Joel Patfull re-signing with the club.
Patfull has become an integral part of the Lions' backline since arriving at the club through the 2005 NAB AFL Draft.
He made his debut the following year in round eight against Port Adelaide - the club with whom he had previously spent time as a rookie.
The 25-year-old has missed just four matches since then for a total of 99.
Patfull has proven to be capable of matching up on both tall and small opponents, with the occasional push into attack or onto the ball.
He was named the Lions' best defender and most improved player in 2008, and has finished in the top 12 in the club's best and fairest count for the last four seasons.
The Lions would not reveal the length of his deal.
Patfull's commitment follows the departure of best and fairest winner Michael Rischitelli, who has joined Gold Coast.
Jared Brennan and Justin Sherman are seeking trades, while Mitch Clark and Ash McGrath are reportedly exploring their options too.
Star forward Brendan Fevola's future remains uncertain after he was indefinitely suspended by the club for his allegedly unacceptable behaviour at a non-club function.
