Ryan Lester Biography

Ryan Lester has signed eight one-year deals but is now an elite defender closing in on 250 games.

"He's having a really good season, just wonderful," Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said of Lester's form.

"He's so reliable, such a team-orientated man and it's a credit to him. What's he played, 250 games, or it's getting close?

"It's a great effort for someone who sort of struggled for the best part of the first part of his career and it's becoming a bit of a joke now, that he's had about seven one-year contracts."

Ryan Lester has been dropped a whopping 17 times from Brisbane's team during his 13-year career. He's been out of contract five of the past six years. Three months ago, he was fifth in line among key defenders on the club's list.

And now, less than two months shy of his 31st birthday, the man they call 'Froggy' looks to have two hands on a starting spot in a Lions team that is pushing for a premiership.

"When he plays at AFL level, we know he can do the job, but the other part is his off-field stuff," Brisbane football manager Danny Daly said.

"He's in our leadership group, he always gets voted in. He's a fantastic person to have around the club. We know if he's not playing AFL, he's basically captaining our seconds.

"As a human being, he's one of a kind. You can't have enough of them around the club, and it keeps getting him contracts."

Brisbane select Ryan Lester with pick No.15 in the 2022 Rookie Draft.

Ryan Lester signs a new two-year deal with Brisbane to remain at the club until the end of 2022.

The 28-year-old played 15 of the Lions' 19 games in 2020 and was once again included in the club's leadership group.

Ryan Lester has stepped up from a fringe Brisbane player to an integral part of its stingy backline. The man teammates call 'Froggy' is nearly always playing for his AFL life, again out of contract after signing one-year extensions the past two offseasons.

"It's all mindset for me. In the past, I've probably waited for someone else to do something. (I'm) Potentially trying to be more selfish out there in a way, but I think by doing that I'm actually contributing to the team more, playing a bit more assertive and backing myself in," he said.

"We've spoken about mindset, being able to play with a clear head. After the finals last year we spoke about guys being a little too 'red head', a bit too emotional the way they play. For me, I have to be a little bit more red head than blue, which is more calm. I need to get outside my comfort zone. It seems to have worked for me."

Ryan Lester signs a one-year deal with Brisbane to remain at the club for a 10th season in 2020.

"Ryan is a person that is well respected by everyone at our football club due to his manner and drive to improve himself as a player," Brisbane football manager David Noble said.

"He provides great input into the direction and decision-making of the club from a leader's perspective."

Dayne Zorko will captain Brisbane in 2019 after the club announced an eight-man leadership group that also included recruit Lachie Neale.

Along with Neale, rugged defender Darcy Gardiner and young midfielder Jarrod Berry have been added.

They join established leaders Harris Andrews, Stefan Martin, Ryan Lester and Allen Christensen.

Ryan Lester signs a new one-year deal with Brisbane to remain at the club in 2019.

"I just feel very lucky and I really love the club. I'm excited about 2019 and believe in the young group we are building," Lester said.

"We're a young, emerging team and I enjoy being able to have an impact on some of those younger players and guide them in the right direction."

Dayne Beams will captain the Brisbane Lions for a second straight season in 2018.

Beams will be deputised by Dayne Zorko who takes the vice-captain role, while Harris Andrews has been promoted as deputy vice-captain.

Stefan Martin, Ryan Lester and Allen Christensen will remain as leaders for the club.

Dayne Beams will lead the Brisbane Lions in 2017 after being confirmed as the club's new captain, taking over from Tom Rockliff, who was named vice-captain.

Dayne Zorko is the deputy vice-captain, while Stefan Martin, Allen Christensen, Ryan Lester and Harris Andrews make up the rest of the seven-man leadership group.

"I like to think I'm an action-based leader, I lead by example," Beams said.

"I do what I say and I think the overriding thing is I'm really passionate about the football club and where it's heading.

"We've got some emerging young talent and I'm looking forward to seeing that blossom."

Ryan Lester have signs a new deal with the Lions that will keep him at the club until the end of 2018.

Ryan Lester signs a two-year AFL contract extension with the Brisbane Lions.

Ryan Lester makes his AFL debut for Brisbane at the Gabba with 16 disposals (7 kicks and 9 handballs), 6 marks and a goal in a 2-point loss to Fremantle.