Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay has revealed how a low-key pre-season practice match influenced him to commit himself to the club. The 27-year old midfielder yesterday signed a three-year contract extension with the league leaders, turning down a number of other offers, and said that a fighting 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets during pre-season indicated to him that he was definitely at the right club.

"We played Newcastle away in the last week of pre-season and we beat them 1-0. It was a real grinding result," McKay said. "I knew that the team was going to be very special. From there it's built and I always wanted to stay."

McKay admitted that there were some offers which crept up but said he was extremely happy to be pledging his allegiance to the Roar.

"I did have offers, in Australia and abroad, but I'm very happy to stay here," he added.

"This time last year my thoughts were elsewhere but from day one of pre-season it's been great and Ange (Postecoglou) has been great."

As well as McKay, livewire midfielder Massimo Murdocca penned a three-year deal whilst promising attacker Mitch Nichols signed on for a further two.