Noah Answerth juggling football and a carpentry apprenticeship
The Lions can call on Noah to build an ark if their AFL finals campaign hits troubled waters against the GWS Giants tonight. Check out our profile on the young gun here.
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The Lions can call on Noah to build an ark if their AFL finals campaign hits troubled waters tonight against the GWS Giants at the Gabba.
Emerging star Noah Answerth is a man of many talents.
Not only has he excelled in Brisbane’s defensive unit since making his AFL debut in the Lions’ 49-point win over Gold Coast on April 27, he is forging a career for himself off the field as a carpenter.
Rather than rest as the AFL went into recess for a week before the start of the finals series, 20-year-old Answerth began a carpentry apprenticeship.
“The club has been really good and they love us doing off-field things, whether it’s study or an apprenticeship, so for them to line that up for me has been great,” Answerth said.
“It’s something that I have an interest in. I had a year out after school, and did some carpentry, and got a bit of my apprenticeship done, so this is a follow up.
“I’ve got a few credits, but if I’m playing footy all the way through, it could take seven years to finish, but it’ll be worth it.”
Answerth is already putting his off-field talents to use for his fellow Lions, having built a bench seat for Tom Cutler.
“He sits on it and reads his books,” Answerth said.
Answerth’s form this season earned him a Rising Star nomination for his Round 20 performance in Brisbane’s 18-point home win over the Western Bulldogs.
“I wasn’t ever planning on having that recognition, but to get it was good, and it’s good for my family to enjoy,” he said.
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Answerth, who played for the Oakleigh Chargers in Victoria before being picked up by the Lions at No.55 in last year’s AFL draft, is indebted to his family for their support and inspiration.
His older brother Kade starred for the Chargers but never cracked the AFL, while his father Steve played for the Richmond under-19 team.
“They’re really proud of me. It was a long time ago that my brother played. He could have got drafted but didn’t,” Answerth said.
“He’s a great player and a great footballer, and he did a lot for me because I was pretty lazy growing up, and he was pretty determined.
“The reason I got that determination is because of him. A lot of people miss out on an AFL opportunity, and I was lucky enough to get it.”
Answerth is also inspired by his childhood hero, and now Lions teammate, former Hawthorn star Luke Hodge.
“I was a Hawks fan. It’s unbelievable playing alongside him,” he said.
“He’s a really good genuine person, a great family man, and to be alongside him and learn off him is amazing.
“I never thought it would happen. It’s a dream come true.”
Originally published as Noah Answerth juggling football and a carpentry apprenticeship