Alex Witherden says he will shout his Senior Coach Chris Fagan a beer if the Lions defeat Sydney on Saturday after his help in securing him a second Rising Star nomination.
“I haven’t yet but if we can get across the line against Sydney then maybe I will,” he said.
Fagan in his post-match press conference against Hawthorn hinted that Witherden was due for a nomination after consistent performances for the Lions. The defender had 24 disposals, five of them contested on the weekend.
Witherden is humbled to be the eleventh footballer to ever receive two nominations but is not getting ahead of himself.
“I think it’s pretty easy to pat young guys on the back if they’re doing well,” Witherden said.
Fagan, along with his Backline Coach Murray Davis, keeps him honest.
“I just caught up with Muz (Murray) then and he said. ‘Well done on your Rising Star’ and then we went through about ten things and he said ‘Alright, this is what you’ve got to improve.’
“They’ve really challenged me to take my game to the next level.”
Ahead of the Swans match on Saturday afternoon, the 19-year-old admits the ‘monkey is off the back’ for the team after earning their first win of the season.
Secure your tickets to this weekend's clash at the Gabba!
“I think there’s been a real shift from yesterday to today and a real focus and steely resolve from the boys to get back out there on Saturday and get another win to back up what we produced on Sunday,” he said.
“It’s up to us to bring that every week.”
Witherden says a selfless approach was the difference against the Hawks, and Charlie Cameron was at the forefront.
“We had a huge emphasis this week on being selfless. He probably took it to a new level. Marking the ball in the goal square and kicking it back to Binga,” he said.
“That’s how we want to be renowned for in the competition.”
A young Alex Witherden playing for his Junior Club Barwon Heads in U10s.
