Brisbane Lions young star Alex Witherden spoke to 6PR Radio Perth yesterday afternoon about his breakout debut AFL season.
The 18-year-old has played five games for the Lions in his debut season.
During this time Witherden's enjoyed two wins, is averaging 24 disposals a game, received a Rising Star nomination in Round 17 and last week kicked his first AFL goal against Carlton.
Witherden started the year playing for the Lions NEAFL side, before earning a Senior call up in Round 14 against the GWS Giants.
“I have been surprised by the transition I’ve been able to make from the NEAFL to the AFL side,” he said.
The Victorian says this smooth transition to Senior level is largely thanks to experienced teammates trusting him on
“I’ve been pretty lucky. I’ve got pretty good teammates around me that support me and give me the ball,” Witherden said.
Vice-Captain Tom Rockliff made a huge impression on the rising star since he travelled from Geelong to join Brisbane late last year.
“He was one of the hardest workers when I first got up here and spent plenty of time with all the young guys,” he said.
Witherden and the side will be aiming for back-to-back wins against West Coast on Sunday afternoon.
“Travelling over to Perth this week with a pretty young group is another scalp we’d love to get,” he said.
Witherden believes it will be a tough test for the young side, but one they’re prepared for.
“We’re quite aware of how good West Coast
The Brisbane Lions take on the West Coast Eagles on Sunday at
