Brisbane Lions vice-captain Harris Andrews finding All-Australian form

After earning selection in the AFL’s 22 under 22 side in recent years, Brisbane Lions young star Harris Andrews is poised to feature in his first All-Australian squad — pending any more elbows.

Brisbane let victory slip against Fremantle on Sunday but Harris Andrews’ rising form should have Hawthorn on notice.

The defender completely outgunned star Docker Jesse Hogan, collecting 15 disposals and 10 intercept marks while restricting the high-profile recruit to just 8 possessions, and showed no signs of the hamstring injury sustained against Collingwood in Round 5.

Andrews’ class act followed solid outings against Western Bulldogs and Adelaide and the 22-year-old is relishing his return to the paddock.

“It’s been really exciting to get back playing again,” Andrews said,

When you miss a couple of weeks with injury, you really gain that appreciation for playing footy again and I’ve been lucky enough to put myself in some good spots to try and win the ball back.”

Lion Harris Andrews is in superb form. Pic: AAP

After earning selection in AFL’s 22 under 22 side in both 2017 and 2018, Andrews is poised to feature in his first All-Australian squad this year.

Last month’s injury won’t cruel his chances as Jeremy Cameron’s elbow did in Round 14 last year while the pressure generated by Josh Walker and Darcy Gardiner has allowed Andrews to build on his intercept marking.

“I feel as a backline, we’ve really started to gel together. We’ve played a lot of footy together over the last couple of years and I guess that’s coming to fruition,” Andrews said.

“I was probably a little bit slow to start the year and certainly the last few weeks I’ve been able to win the ball back a little bit but it’s just the opportunities.”

But the Lions vice-captain is more than happy to share the love around, paying tribute to his fellow key defenders.

“Walks has had so many games where he’s done well and I think only a couple of weeks ago he was third in the AFL for intercept marks, so he’s done a really good job in the last couple of weeks locking down his man and I’ve been able to assist, whereas is was vice versa earlier in the year.”

Harris Andrews was a rock for his team against Freo. Pic: AAP

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan would have kept a weather eye on his former club Hawthorn’s 31-point thrashing of Port Adelaide and Jack Gunston in particular.

The Hawks sharpshooter kicked 6.0 in Launceston to steer his side back into the eight and Fagan could potentially shift Andrews onto Gunston for Saturday’s upcoming clash.

“We haven’t previewed this week’s game yet. Usually Dizzy Gardiner plays on him but (Gunston)’s been in such good form so we’ll see how we go,” Andrews said.

The Lions will also be sweating on Jarrod Berry’s health after the midfielder underwent surgery to have a Baker’s cyst removed from his knee on Tuesday.

Football manager David Noble said Berry’s history of knee concerns informed the decision to operate and anticipates a 6-8 week recovery.