A big, red hole was left in the Brisbane Lions' backline after 200-game veteran Daniel Merrett decided to hang up the boots last Season. 

It's a hole that has seemingly been left to some young and emerging talent and Harris Andrews recognises the importance of rising to the challenge of filling that hole.

Merrett’s leadership qualities were second to none, and fortunately for Andrews, he's had the invaluable opportunity of working closely with him in his last two Seasons at the club.

For a third year player, Andrews has proven his leadership skills time and time again, and admits he's been working hard to impress new Senior Coach Chris Fagan.

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When speaking with media today, Andrews said that he in some ways felt as though he needed to prove himself again.

“I think there is a bit of that (feeling he needs to prove himself), coming in and trying to develop yourself, and as you said prove yourself again. Everyone’s on the same playing field again, so you've got to do that,” Andrews said.

“In our backline we don’t have many older guys so it’s on all of us I guess, we all have to develop as leaders and be our own leaders.

"Especially with the young guys coming in, everyone has to try and create a good example for them and set the tone.”

Andrews has welcomed draftee’s Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry into his home. He has taken them under his wing, it helps that he is 200cm tall, there is plenty of room.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, I guess it’s a bit of fresh air with all the draftees coming in," he said.

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"To have those guys come in and because I was in that position a couple of years ago, I can sort of impart a bit of knowledge on them and try and help them adapt to living up here. I’m really enjoying having them in.”

AFL experience is something only achieved by those who work hard and Andrews explained the importance of sharing this with his new team mates.

“The last couple of years of footy I’ve been lucky enough to get out there and experience it a bit so trying to impart that knowledge on them (draftees) is important," he said.

"Hopefully when their time comes to do that to the other guys it’ll work out well.”

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When asked what he has learnt from the last twelve months, Andrews said: “It was a different year, obviously unfortunately with Justin Clarke going down sort of pushed me into that key defender role."

"I think it was a big learning year, I learnt a lot of body work obviously working with Dan Merrett who is the king of the trade there, which its good to have him down here as well still (at training).

"I definitely learned a lot, even off field I’m working hard to get my body right each week and eating well, thats really improved.

"It’s been a good learning year last year but I’m looking forward to the season coming up.”