With the VFL on hold due to the Covid 19 lockdown in Melbourne, the reserves clash with the Giants has become a scratch match against the Gold Coast at Yeronga.
Answerth, who will be playing just his second game in nine months, can’t wait.
“I know it’s not an official game, but I’m really excited to be back playing and just grateful for the opportunity to get a game,’’ he said.
“My brother plays in the VFL and he can’t play at the moment and there won’t be any grassroots footy going on in Victoria this weekend and we’re up here and able to get a scratch match in, so I think there’s a lot to be thankful for.
“And to be back out there with my mates, I’ve spent a lot of time with the VFL boys while I’ve been out injured, and I can’t wait to play a game with them.’’
Answerth was a regular in Senior coach Chris Fagan’s side in 2019 but injury restricted him to just 9 senior games last season, the last the Lions’ Rd 17 victory over Sydney in Cairns.
He had a restricted pre-season due to a persistent groin issue and did not play until a reserves scratch match that coincided with round one of the AFL.
At that stage he had every right to be optimistic that after a couple of games to build fitness he’d be knocking on the door of senior selection.
He came out of that game sore but was flown down to Melbourne when the senior side was stuck there while Queensland went into its lockdown, with the intention of pushing for selection in round three.
However, the injury flared up at training and he has not played since.
VFL coach Mitch Hahn said while he may have been frustrated with his own situation, his attitude around the group had been fantastic and he had made a significant contribution helping out as an assistant coach for the backline.
“He’s been a huge help, we’ve had a very young and inexperienced backline and he’s been terrific with those guys each week,’’ he said.
“And now that he’s playing we know that will continue, he’ll be able to convert that educational role into match day leadership which will really benefit those younger guys.’’
