Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews carrying welcome ‘chip on shoulder’

Being made a Brisbane Lions co-captain is proving to be anything but a burden for in-form defender Harris Andrews.

Harris Andrews produced a memorable performance against St Kilda. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The added responsibility of captaincy is helping Brisbane Lions star Harris Andrews recapture the form that made him one of the AFL’s best defenders.

Andrews was superb in Brisbane’s 28-point win over St Kilda at Marvel Stadium last Friday night.

His 21-disposal performance included nine intercept marks, one short of the AFL record.

“It was probably one of my better games I’ve had in my career,” Andrews said on Tuesday.

It was arguably Andrews’ best game since his All-Australian seasons of 2019 and 2020.

His form since then, while solid, hasn’t been as eye-catching.

However, the signs are there that the 26-year-old Lions academy product is returning to his previous heights.

And it’s perhaps no coincidence that his form surge has come after this year being appointed to the role of co-captain alongside team talisman Lachie Neale.

“I’m really enjoying the captaincy,” Andrews said.

“It certainly hasn’t changed anything I do on game day. I’m still that same bloke out on the field and still trying to lead the team in the right way … (but) maybe I walk around with a little bit more of a chip on my shoulder that I need to play well.

“I certainly haven’t changed anything from a preparation standpoint. Physically, I’m as good as I’ve been.

“I don’t know what all the (form and fitness) speculation was about, but it’s quite a tough role.”

Harris Andrews celebrates with Brisbane fans after a Lions win. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Andrews’ good form has also been aided the performances of Brisbane strongman Jack Payne, who has seemingly cemented his role in the Lions’ defensive unit.

“I feel like this year we’ve been able to build a really good connection. We’re able to complement each other,” he said.

“We’ve got different strains, which helps us play on the good forwards and key forwards of the league.

“To see his growth has been incredible. He’s continuing learning about the game and it’s been awesome to see that growth, to see the work that he’s put in on the field clearly but off the field as well, (with) the way he prepares and his mental application to get himself up each week to play on those really dangerous key forwards.”

The third-placed Lions will aim for a third successive win when they host Richmond at the Gabba on Thursday night.

The Tigers, who are coming off a bye, are chasing a fourth straight victory as they push to break into the top eight.

“It’s always a massive challenge against the Tigers – they’re a sensational team,” Andrews said.

“They’ve got so many premiership players in there. We’ve had some really good battles against them over the last couple of years.”

Andrews was hopeful that veteran Dayne Zorko, who has missed Brisbane’s past three matches, would return on Thursday night from a calf injury.

“He’ll have to get through a few things (at training) and we’ll wait to see what happens, but we certainly love having him in the team with the energy he brings to the contest,” Andrews said of the former Lions captain.

“Offensively he uses the ball as well as anyone, and defensively, he works hard and really complements our midfield mix.”

Originally published as Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews carrying welcome ‘chip on shoulder’