The two brothers joined the Mininera 2019 premiership club, a move which will see older brother Damon take on the assistant coaching role under Will Bell.

Moving across from the Swifts, the brothers caught the eye of a number of clubs in the region before settling at the Lions.

Lions' football operations manager Matt Delzotto said it was a good result for the club.

"They've been on the radar for quite a number of years," he said.

"They are both highly talented footballers, given their age and their ability to perform at a senior football level.

"We thought we were pretty close to getting Ryan across to the club a few years ago. That didn't happen but the opportunity arose again this season to have a chat to them."

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Delzotto said recruiting brothers together had its advantages.

"Given they are two individual players we would be looking at them anyway," he said.

"They aren't the same type of player and they will both play different roles for us next season.

"Both are good quality footballers in their own right and to add in Damon's leaderships aspirations, it was a good fit."

Both Folkes brothers said they were excited at the opportunity presented for the 2020 season.

"We've played all our senior football at the one club and although there were mixed emotions about leaving, we felt now is the right time to take the next step in our football careers," Ryan said.

"Playing under Will Bell played a big part in my decision. I participated in a few preseason training sessions a few years ago at the Lions and really enjoyed it.

"I know Damon is looking forward to the leadership role and developing those skills under Will."

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When the decisions had to be made on where the next phase of their football career was headed, Ryan said the plan wasn't always to stick together.

"I did say to Damon we didn't need to play football together, although it would be good if we could," he said.

"Going somewhere together does make the decision more exciting. To know we will still get to play together.

"Having him there will bring some extra support throughout the year will be pretty handy as well."

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