Noah Answerth from the Brisbane Lions Football Club is the Round 20 NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee.
Answerth, 20, impressed with his competitiveness and versatility in his side's 18-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on Sunday where he gathered 18 disposals (eight contested), seven intercept possessions and six marks.
First learning his trade with Caulfield Bears, Answerth's natural on-field leadership soon became a trademark of his game. After fracturing his back late in 2017, Answerth recovered to captain the Oakleigh Chargers to the 2018 NAB League Grand Final and also represent Vic Metro in the 2018 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
His resilience is what first caught the eye of recruiters before Answerth became known for his competitiveness and versatility playing as a shutdown defender or forward. He joined the Lions in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, selection 55 overall.
Answerth made his debut in this seasons first QClash in Round Six and has since maintained his place in the senior side, averaging 12.4 possessions at 78 per cent disposal efficiency, five intercept possessions and 3.7 marks in his 14 games.
Following each round of the Home and Away season, a panel of judges select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star.
The 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star winner will be awarded the Ron Evans Medal, a $20,000 personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
NAB continues to support footballers by recognising the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Answerth's junior club, Caulfield Bears Junior Football Club, will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award valued at $2500, comprising financial and practical resources, as a result of his Round 20 nomination. Since supporting the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, NAB has donated over $822,500 worth of resources to junior football clubs through this initiative.
The NAB AFL Rising Star is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program comprises the following elements:
• NAB AFL Rising Star
• NAB AFL Draft
• NAB AFL Draft Combine
• NAB AFL Trade Period
• NAB AFL Academy
• NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
• NAB AFL Under-16 Championships
NAB has proudly supported footy for over a decade, providing boys and girls with a clear pathway from NAB AFL Auskick to the big time.
