Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan believes the "tide is turning" at his rebuilding AFL club after homesick young gun Josh Schache made the surprise call to stay, knocking back a chance to return to Melbourne.
Fagan was ecstatic after Schache finally ended speculation about his future and re-signed for another two seasons.
"It's fantastic. It feels like the tide is turning," he said.
"I think it is a great reflection of the direction we are taking."
The Lions had been sweating on a response from Schache 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 dead last 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.
Fagan was overjoyed by the news but still could not find a spot for Schache in his line-up for Saturday's Gabba clash with Fremantle.
Schache will run out in the NEAFL against Gold Coast on Saturday.
"He will play in the reserves. His form wasn't up to scratch three weeks ago, he hasn't played for a couple of weeks," Fagan said.
"If he can string some good games together he will make his way into the AFL team."
Schache was granted two weeks' leave by the Lions after he was dropped to the reserves, sparking speculation he was Melbourne-bound next year.
Brisbane football manager David Noble claimed he was always confident Schache would put pen to paper.
But Fagan admitted he had his doubts.
"I was always hopeful that he'd stay but you never never know until they come out with those words, so it's very pleasing," he said.
Schache has played 23 matches for the Lions since making his senior debut last year but only six this season.
Fagan had warned Schache that he would not be considered for selection again this year if he opted to sign with another club.
"It was not a threat, it's common sense," Fagan said.
"But I don't think that had anything to do with it."
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