Ryan Harwood Biography

The Brisbane Lions have delisted five players, including experienced defender Ryan Harwood and key forward Jono Freeman.

Midfielder Jarrad Jansen, utility Josh Clayton and rookie Blake Grewar have also been told by the Lions their contracts would not be renewed.

Ryan Harwood has become one of Brisbane's best users of the ball with a disposal efficiency of 78.5%.

Lions assistant Murray Davis, who is the club's transition strategy coach, says Harwood has the tools to become an even more complete rebound defender.

"Ryan is a very good user of the ball," Davis said.

"It's now just about maximising not only his efficiency but getting us going forward.

"We want to encourage him to be bold with his choice of kicks. He's good enough."

Ryan Harwood signs a new deal with Brisbane that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2017.

"It’s always good to get another couple of years under the belt," Harwood said.

"I want to play here until we see some success, we haven’t had much since I’ve been at the club."

Lions pair Ryan Harwood and Jono Freeman will have delayed starts to the season, with both to miss up to 12 weeks following surgery.

The Lions have revealed Harwood will have surgery on Monday to alleviate the abdominal and groin pain he has endured in recent weeks.

Freeman, 20, who played four games last season, had a microdiscectomy on a bulging disc in his back on Thursday night and will also miss up to 12 weeks.

"Both Ryan and Jono were disappointed at having to spend time away from the game but we have to do what is best for the players,' Lions football operations manager Dean Warren said.

"They will both come back stronger and the result will be in the best interest of their long-term careers."

Ryan Harwood makes his AFL debut for Brisbane at Kardinia Park with 18 disposals (3 kicks and 15 handballs), a mark and 4 tackles in a 63-point loss to Geelong.