Throughout September and October, lions.com.au will be reviewing the seasons of all members of our current playing group. Today we take a look at Harris Andrews' exceptional year. 

#31 - Harris Andrews

At just 21 years of age, Andrews showed significant improvement in 2018 and developed into one of the competition's best key defenders.  

A highlight of his season was when he broke the AFL's spoils record in Round 10 against Sydney, tallying 23.

Two weeks later he took a ridiculous nine intercept marks and produced 20 spoils against Essendon, earning himself two Brownlow votes and nine Coaches Votes.

In 18 matches this season, Andrews averaged 15.6 disposals (at 85% efficiency), 10.6 spoils and 11.4 one-percenters a game. He also set a new Club record of 205 one-percenters in a season. 

He successfully took on, and shut down, premier opposition forwards every week. He also showed his versatility when thrust forward against Gold Coast when the game was on the line in Round 22.

The brave move paid dividends with Andrews kicking his sole goal for the year and creating several other opportunities.

His leadership at such a young age has impressed all around the Club, earning him the nickname 'Dad'. He was elevated to the vice-captain role when Dayne Beams stood down from the captaincy midway through the season. 

The one lowlight of his season was a severe concussion suffered in Round 14 against the GWS Giants. Andrews missed four matches as a result of the injury, but he finished the season strongly when he returned in Round 19. 

Andrews’ terrific season was rewarded with selection in the All Australian 40-man squad for the first time in his career. Had it not been for the concussion, Andrews would have surely been right in the mix to make the final cut.

At the Lions’ Club Champion night, he finished fifth overall in the Merrett Murray Medal count with 208 votes and won the Most Professional Player Award for the second year running. 

The addition of Luke Hodge helped elevate Andrews' game in 2018 and with another consistent pre-season he can be a real force for the Lions in 2019. 

Coaches Comment – Murray Davis, Backline Coach 

“Another defender to have his best season in his 76-game career. Ranked the number one key defender by Champion Data. His game against Essendon highlighted his aerial skills with nine intercept marks. Also took out the record for number of spoils against Sydney in the wet with 23 spoils. A real student of the game and a leader on and off the field.” 

Senior matches: 18