In 2019 Noah Answerth was the only new draftee to make his debut for the Brisbane Lions. His opportunity came in Round 6’s QClash at Metricon Stadium. His performance was so impressive, he would go on to play in all remaining home and away games, as well as the Club’s two AFL Finals Series matches.

“I wasn’t expecting to play 17 games and two Finals,” Answerth told lions.com.au.

“It’s been a long year but pretty amazing to have the opportunity to play AFL.”

A few years ago, the 20-year-old was contemplating whether he would even play footy again after suffering a serious back injury playing for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup competition.

“I probably never thought I’d get the opportunity,” Answerth said.

“Every game is a bonus, being here and signing on is exciting.

“I never thought I’d be here for 2022, let alone to be drafted here.”

Of all those who know how challenging the last few years have been, his family would understand the most.

“They fly up every game. It’s almost a good thing with what happened when I was 17,” he said.

“They know and understand that it could be over at any time. They don’t miss a game.”

One of the highlights for Answerth this year has been learning from his older teammates in the backline, particularly Luke Hodge, Daniel Rich and Harris Andrews.

 “You learn a lot about yourself and your own game,” he said.

“Communication, it’s important to all be on the same page as a backline group.”

Now that the 2019 AFL season has come to a close, he has had time to reflect on what the Lions were able to achieve.

“It was pretty surreal I guess,” he said.  

“You grow up as a kid watching finals, I went to five Grand Finals for Hawthorn.”

After having a taste of what Finals action is like as a player, Answerth will be striving to achieve the same again in 2020.