Under-18 national championships: Oakleigh Chargers’ Noah Answerth continues to press draft claims

OAKLEIGH Chargers midfielder Noah Answerth looms as one of the feel-good stories of this year’s draft after overcoming a season-ending back injury last year to again emerge as a top prospect.

Noah Answerth looks to dish off a handball against Vic Country. Picture: Michael Klein

OAKLEIGH Chargers midfielder Noah Answerth looms as one of the feel-good stories of this year’s draft after overcoming a season-ending back injury last year to again emerge as a top prospect.

The Caulfield Bears junior was seen as one of Oakleigh’s best draft chances in 2017 before a freak back fracture in the Round 2 clash against Eastern Ranges when he was crunched in a contest.

The injury forced Answerth to spend the majority of the year on the sidelines before he returned late in the season in the VFL Young Guns game.

But an impressive showing for Vic Metro in the under-18 national championships has reinforced his draft credentials.

Noah Answerth on the go against Vic Country. Picture: Michael Klein

Answerth, who turns 19 in August, was one of Vic Metro’s top performers in the 26-point win over Vic Country last Sunday, finishing among the top possession winners with 21 disposals to go with his four marks, six tackles, three clearances and two goals.

After starting the first two games in the backline, Vic Metro coach Marty Allison said Answerth had displayed his renowned stoppage work when moved into the midfield against Vic Country.

“Was really strong in the contest and brought a lot of his teammates into the game,” Allison said.

“One game to the next, he is improving so I think he has been really good for us.”

Allison said Answerth, who averaged 16 disposals, three marks, four tackles and three rebound 50s in his three Vic Metro appearances, had kept himself on recruiters’ radar.

“The feedback I’m getting is there’s a lot of interest,” he said.

“To come back from a back injury takes a lot of discipline and resilience and he has got to get his body strong again.

“That just doesn’t happen overnight, it takes probably the whole 12 months of dedication to get himself up to a level of strength where he can withstand a game like ours, which takes a heavy toll on the body.

“He’s performed at the level so clearly his resilience and discipline in his rehab will definitely go in his favour.”