The ‘larrikin’ leading an era of Brisbane Lions success
Oliver Caffrey and Murray Wenzel |
Larrikin wouldn’t be the first word that comes to mind for AFL fans when describing Harris Andrews.
Arguably the AFL’s premier key defender, the Brisbane Lions co-captain has always been wise beyond his years.
Not many third-year players get nicknamed “dad” by their teammates.
Andrews was once referred to by Hugh McCluggage as a “20-year-old with a 30-year-old’s mannerisms”.
Lions livewire Kai Lohmann believes Andrews has a “great balance of taking the piss and being serious”.
“It’s no surprise that he’s one of the best defenders in the AFL,” Lohmann told AAP.
“His diet, professionalism, gym, but he’s a bit quirky, pretty funny.
“People would be surprised.
“I stir him up a bit, he’s a great character.”
Defender Darcy Gardiner, who missed last year’s premiership due to injury, looks up to Andrews even though he is a year older.
“I wish I did a few things earlier in my career the way he does things that might have helped me a bit more,” Gardiner told AAP.
“Someone that’s just great to have out there, gives you such confidence.
“When you’re in a bit of trouble he’s usually coming across to help.
“But also such great support off the field, as well.
“There’s definitely another side to him, and he let the hair down and be a bit of a larrikin, a bit cheeky.
He had a good time at my wedding (in the off-season). I won’t go into detail but maybe ask him about that.”
Beyond being a vital influence in shaping Brisbane’s culture, Andrews could already be the best defender in club history.
His feats comfortably sit alongside three-peat era stars Justin Leppitsch and Mal Michael.
Andrews was this year crowned All-Australian for a third time, and has backed up with superb performances in all of the Lions’ finals so far.
“He’s a big guy, and he plays like a big guy,” Brisbane defender Ryan Lester told AAP.
“He stretches out and he can’t be out-marked.
“He’s strong because of the work he puts in the gym, and clearly it makes the rest of us look a lot better.”
From the moment he arrived at the club via the 2014 draft as a Lions Academy selection, Andrews had future captain written all over him.
That time finally came in 2023, sharing the role with star midfielder Lachie Neale.
Since the pair became the club’s dual leaders, the Lions have qualified for three-straight grand finals.
By Saturday night, Andrews could be in rare company as a two-time premiership captain.
This century, only Michael Voss (Brisbane), Tom Harley (Geelong), Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) and Trent Cotchin (Richmond) have skippered a team to more than one flag.
“(Andrews is) not boring behind the doors, he’s got some good stories,” running defender Darcy Wilmot told AAP.
“He’s unbelievable and the way he plays shows the type of leader he is, to stand up in big moments, talk and inspire the boys.”
Brisbane admitted they didn’t get preparation for the 2023 grand final completely right, even though they only lost a thriller by four points.
It was a far more relaxed group that rolled into Melbourne for last year’s grand final, going on to destroy Sydney by 60 points.
The night before the Lions would end a 21-year premiership drought, Andrews was tucked away in his hotel room engaging in an online tutorial for his teaching degree.
That had been his routine all year so he didn’t need to change it before the biggest game of the season.
Even after the Lions’ premiership success, Andrews was in the classroom for a placement just a week after the grand final.
Andrews can even be spotted studying in the cafe at the Lions’ Springfield headquarters.
His off-field work had a national spotlight this week when he was awarded the prestigious Jim Stynes Community Award during the Brownlow Medal count.
The 28-year-old has been an ambassador for Beyond DV since 2018, engaging with vulnerable young people and volunteering to support people impacted by domestic and family violence.
“I think I’ve learnt the importance of role models in the community,” Andrews said.
“As a sportsman and someone who has a little bit of a platform within society, the significance and importance of making sure we turn up and behave well and really set good standards.
“Hopefully the next generation looks on to that and then behave that same way.”
AAP
