Rebounding defender Noah Answerth will make his AFL debut for the Brisbane Lions when they take on the Gold Coast SUNS in QCLash17 this Saturday afternoon, after being named in Senior Coach Chris Fagan’s 22-man side.
The former Oakleigh Chargers Captain was drafted to the Club at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft with Pick No. 55 and has played in all three of the NEAFL’s victories this year.
The 19-year-old was told the news in front of his delighted teammates at a meeting earlier today.
Joining Answerth on the field for the first time in 2019 are experienced AFL players Tom Cutler, Lewis Taylor and Ryan Lester.
View this post on InstagramOne debutant and three big returns! See our #QClash17 team via our story. #Uncaged
All three have been in strong form for the NEAFL so far this year.
Vice-Captain Harris Andrews and midfielder Rhys Mathieson will miss the game this week due to hamstring injuries.
Nick Robertson and Allen Christensen have been omitted.
Saturday afternoon marks Captain Dayne Zorko’s 150th AFL match.
Fagan said the 30 year-old has embraced his new role in the team, switching from midfield to forward line.
“For starters he really enjoys playing forward and we’re trying to evolve our midfield,” Fagan said.
“Being the Captain and happy to play a team role, he mixes it up a bit.”
Fagan said he is hopeful the QClash17 will inspire his men to retaliate from last week’s loss.
“I think always coaches are always looking for a response after a poor performance,” he said.
“That’s the secret to this competition because it’s so even.
“You’re going to have your patches when you don’t go so well but it’s your ability to bounce back quickly is what you’re looking for.
“Both of us are in the same boat this week so that will make the competition pretty fierce on Saturday I would imagine.”
The match will be broadcasted live on Fox Footy from 1.30pm AEST. CLICK HERE FOR MATCH DAY INFORMATION.
In: Tom Cutler, Lewis Taylor, Ryan Lester, Noah Answerth (AFL Debut)
Out: Nick Robertson (Omitted), Allen Christensen (Omitted), Harris Andrews (Injured), Rhys Mathieson (Injured)
