Search

show me:

Forward switch exciting for Brisbane Lion

3 minute read

He's one of Brisbane's best defenders, but Harris Andrews says he'd be excited about potentially moving to the forward line in the 2019 AFL season.

HARRIS ANDREWS of the Lions marks the ball during the AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Fremantle Dockers at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia.
HARRIS ANDREWS of the Lions marks the ball during the AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Fremantle Dockers at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

It's far from a fait accompli but Harris Andrews' potential switch to Brisbane's forward line is exciting the young Lion.

The 22-year-old has appeared in the forward line in two of the Lions' six intra-club practice matches as coach Chris Fagan explores Andrews' potential up front.

With the addition of Marcus Adams to the Lions' squad, Andrews is confident Brisbane have the backline depth to manage if he does move forward for this year's AFL season.

"I played a little bit of forward when I was in under-18s for Queensland and then when I first got to the club I was actually training as a forward," Andrews said.

"It's exciting to get back down there.

"It's been good the last couple of weeks to dedicate time to the forward craft and just work on my game.

"A little bit more depth down back is probably going to allow the opportunity for me to go down forward. I'm still not sure what's going to happen but there, so just roll with it."

Fagan himself says the switch with Andrews is more about exploring the option than any indication of a firm plan.

"Harris draws attention because he's quite a high-profile player and he's played all his career down back," Fagan told AAP.

"We've had six (practice) games and four of them he's played down back, and two he's played forward so suddenly there's a bit of banter around about Harris.

"You wouldn't notice the fact that probably 10 other blokes have played in different positions in each game.

"Have we got other guys that can play in defence that will allow Harris to go forward? Is Harris a good forward or isn't he? We're trying to answer all those questions."

One thing that is set in stone is Andrews will captain the team in a scratch match at Metricon Stadium this Saturday against Gold Coast while Dayne Zorko is on AFLX duties.

"It's a huge privilege," Andrews said.

"I'm pretty excited to go out there and see how my pep talk goes before the game."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au