Noah Answerth arrived at the Lions in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft at pick 55 overall and has made an incredible debut season, earning himself a Rising Star nomination, and was the only Lions draftee to make his debut.

Answerth debuted in QClash in Round Six and maintained his spot in the senior side since that day. He played nineteen senior games and thrived as a small defender, averaging 11.8 disposals, ranking fifth among Rising Stars in total one percenters, and sixth among Rising Stars in Rebound 50’s and intercepts.

Answerth also impressed in the Lions Round 20 win over the Western Bulldogs, picking up a NAB Rising Star nomination. During that game, he gathered 18 disposals, seven intercept possessions and six marks. 

The 20-year-old kicked his first goal in his career against the Melbourne Demons in Round 15.

General Manager of Football David Noble said Answerth’s growth since arriving in November was exciting to watch.

“His growth has been very exciting, showing poise and maturity beyond his years where he plays with the same level of intent and intensity wherever he is played.”

To cap off his stellar year, Answerth took home the Rookie of the Year award at the Brisbane Lions Club Champion event.

In his third year in the AFL, Alex Witherden continued his consistent performances playing off the halfback line.

Witherden played 23 games in 2019, averaging 18.3 disposals per game. He gathered over 25 disposals on four separate occasions during the year, against West Coast in Round 1, Port Adelaide in Round 3 and Essendon in Round 4 and Collingwood in Round 5.

The 21-year-old’s best game of the season was in the Lions 91-point win over the SUNS, where he gathered 21 disposals, took 10 marks and laid 5 tackles.

The young defender was once again named in the AFLPA’s 22Under22 team for 2019, after also being named in 2018.

Both Witherden and Answerth are contracted with the Lions until at least the end of 2022.