Jarryd Lyons and Hugh McCluggage have been added to what has swelled to a nine-man Brisbane leadership group, with Dayne Zorko retained as captain after their AFL finals breakthrough last season.

Zorko was unsurprisingly backed by his teammates to continue in the role for a second season after guiding the Lions to their first finals campaign in a decade.

Harris Andrews will serve alongside Zorko as vice-captain, with Darcy Gardiner, Stefan Martin, Lachie Neale, Ryan Lester and Jarrod Berry again elected into the leadership group.

Lyons and McCluggage are new additions to the group in 2020, the pair also voted in by their teammates, while Allen Christensen decided to step down from his leadership role and concentrate on his rehabilitation after having minor back surgery late last year.

The promotion continues Lyons’ rise after a switch from Gold Coast last year earned immediate dividends in a 2019 season where he averaged 24 disposals and six tackles.

“I’ve been working on my leadership skills over the last couple of years, so it’s great to have that recognition and trust from the group,” Lyons said.

The club’s head of football David Noble said the large group’s diversity would benefit them as they looked to entrench themselves as a top-eight side.

“Each of the nine leaders offer something different to the group, which is what makes them stronger as a unit,” Noble said.

“Hugh and Jarryd are fantastic additions and have already displayed strong leadership by their actions on field.”