The added duty of captaincy helps Brisbane Lions star Harris Andrews recapture the shape that made him one of many AFL’s finest defenders.
Andrews was excellent in Brisbane’s 28-point win over St Kilda at Marvel Stadium final Friday night time.
His 21-disposal efficiency included 9 intercept marks, one wanting the AFL report.
“It was probably one of my better games I’ve had in my career,” Andrews stated on Tuesday.
It was arguably Andrews’ finest sport since his All-Australian seasons of 2019 and 2020.
His kind since then, whereas stable, hasn’t been as eye-catching.
However, the indicators are there that the 26-year-old Lions academy product is returning to his earlier heights.
And it’s maybe no coincidence that his kind surge has come after this 12 months being appointed to the function of co-captain alongside crew talisman Lachie Neale.
“I’m really enjoying the captaincy,” Andrews stated.
“It certainly hasn’t changed anything I do on game day. I’m still that same bloke out on the field and still trying to lead the team in the right way … (but) maybe I walk around with a little bit more of a chip on my shoulder that I need to play well.
“I certainly haven’t changed anything from a preparation standpoint. Physically, I’m as good as I’ve been.
“I don’t know what all the (form and fitness) speculation was about, but it’s quite a tough role.”
Andrews’ good kind has additionally been aided the performances of Brisbane strongman Jack Payne, who has seemingly cemented his function within the Lions’ defensive unit.
“I feel like this year we’ve been able to build a really good connection. We’re able to complement each other,” he stated.
“We’ve got different strains, which helps us play on the good forwards and key forwards of the league.
“To see his growth has been incredible. He’s continuing learning about the game and it’s been awesome to see that growth, to see the work that he’s put in on the field clearly but off the field as well, (with) the way he prepares and his mental application to get himself up each week to play on those really dangerous key forwards.”
The third-placed Lions will purpose for a 3rd successive win once they host Richmond on the Gabba on Thursday night time.
The Tigers, who’re coming off a bye, are chasing a fourth straight victory as they push to interrupt into the highest eight.
“It’s always a massive challenge against the Tigers – they’re a sensational team,” Andrews stated.
“They’ve got so many premiership players in there. We’ve had some really good battles against them over the last couple of years.”
Andrews was hopeful that veteran Dayne Zorko, who has missed Brisbane’s previous three matches, would return on Thursday night time from a calf damage.
“He’ll have to get through a few things (at training) and we’ll wait to see what happens, but we certainly love having him in the team with the energy he brings to the contest,” Andrews stated of the previous Lions captain.
“Offensively he uses the ball as well as anyone, and defensively, he works hard and really complements our midfield mix.”
Originally revealed as Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews carrying welcome ‘chip on shoulder’
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
