This week's NAB Rising Star nomination? It has to be Harris!
Brisbane Lions teenage defender Harris Andrews played the best game of his short career yesterday against the big forward line of Geelong led by Tom Hawkins.
Andrews notched up 12 marks and 22 disposals at close to 100% efficiency as well as a number of key pressure acts in the pressure-packed atmosphere of a parochial Simonds Stadium.
It was the culmination of a run of high-quality performances since making his AFL debut in Round 3 against Richmond at the Gabba.
Andrews has played 14 of 15 Senior games since then, winning a host of fans with his sure hands, calmness under pressure, accurate disposal and decision-making skills well beyond his 18 years.
Commentators across TV and radio were yesterday again singing the praises of the the 200cm Queenslander, suggesting a NAB Rising Star nomination was in order for the graduate of the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy.
Andrews said while the loss to the Cats wasn't the best result, all the team were committed to improving and getting some wins on the board.
"The Cats have a got a lot of experienced forwards, so I was doing what I could to provide aerial support to Jase (Justin Clarke) and Rog (Daniel Merrett)," Andrews told lions.com.au.
"It was a good learning curve - I'm learning new stuff each week just seeing what the other teams throw up at us.
"We just have to continue to take risks and use the corridor a bit more, which will help our ball movement and get it inside 50 a bit easier for our forwards."
Another young Queenslander to impress yesterday was Liam Dawson, who racked up 19 possessions and 9 marks across the half back flank.
Dawson, another first-year player from the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy, was also sure with his disposal and strong in the contest.
Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch called out both young players in his post-match media conference.
"Harris and Liam are both first-year players, they were terrific. It's exciting for our future." said Leppitsch.
"They're the players that our supporters are going to keep coming to see over the years, there's no doubt."
