Tag: AFL

Harris Andrews, the Latest Legend from Padua College

Photo Credit: AFL/Instagram

Padua College produces another Brisbane legend.

Not content with holding the record of the school that has produced the most State of Origin players, another mighty feather in a large cap appeared on Saturday when former pupil Harris Andrews, co-captained the mighty Brisbane Lions to a rout of major proportions in the Telstra AFL Grand Final at the MCG in front of 100,013.

Read: From Kedron to Greatness: Padua College’s Hall of Fame

A rout at the MCG

Andrews was magnificent at the MCG. Easily the best defender on the ground. The Lions played out of their skins against a Swans team that Sam Newman wants the AFL to investigate as non-triers!

Brisbane edged ahead in the first quarter 27-19, but the blowout came in the second quarter as the Lions piled on a five-goal spree over only 19 kicks, leading them to a 46 point buffer at half-time, 11.7 (73) to 4.3 (27).

The Lions extended that lead to 16.11 (107) to 5.4 (34) in the third quarter and strolled home to secure the 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60) win to bring the trophy back to Brisbane for the first time in 21 years.

Harris finished with 16 disposals, 12 kicks, 4 handballs, 10 marks and was on the field for 92% of the game, second in time on ground for the Lions behind big Joe who didn’t go off.

He led from the front, an enormous presence in defence and contributing heavily into many counter attacks.

The dominant forward-line in the regular season that the Swans had built totally crumbled in front of Andrews.

He shut down Tom Papley, Luke Parker, and neutralised Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean.

The opportunity to receive the trophy with Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko will never be forgotten and Padua College in Kedron, really do have plenty to brag about!

The Harris Andrews Story

Source: Padua College, Kedron

• Moved to the Northern Suburbs at four years old
• Played Auskick at Aspley
• Played for Aspley Hornets juniors
• Graduated from Padua College in 2014
• He was 61st pick in the AFL draft, selected by the Lions in 2014
• Two-time All Australian, Merrett-Murray Medallist
• Signed a four-year contract until 2029 for Brisbane

“The reward I’ve gotten internally is what I really value, and I feel like my teammates and the coaches are really confident in my ability each week, so it is what it is.”

This selfless approach defines his leadership both on and off the field. “At the end of the day, we’re not here for the individual accolades. We’re here for team success,” Andrews remarked.

“After 10 years of playing footy, all I’m chasing is a premiership.”

Read: Lionhearted: Padua College’s Harris Andrews Leads Brisbane’s Second Shot at Premiership Glory

Brisbane Lions general manager Danny Daly praised Andrews, saying, “Harris is everything you want in a person, player and leader, which is why we are extremely fortunate to have him at the Lions.”

Read more about the Lions rout of the Swans on Coorparoo News here.

Published 29-September-2024

Lions Roar into Grand Final: Join the Action at Kedron Park Hotel!

Photo Credit: AFL.com.au

Kedron, are you ready for the AFL showdown of the year? The Brisbane Lions have defied all odds to reach the 2024 AFL grand final, and Kedron Park Hotel is the place to catch all the action!

Read: Lionhearted: Padua College’s Harris Andrews Leads Brisbane’s Second Shot at Premiership Glory

A comeback story for the ages

A season that began with three losses. Stuck in thirteenth midway through the season. A staggering 44 points down to GWS in the semis, and 25 down to Geelong in the prelims. And yet, the Brisbane Lions have clawed their way to the brink of history.

 
 
 
 
 
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This Saturday, 28 September, they’ll face the Sydney Swans in the 2024 AFL grand final. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Your ultimate grand final destination

Kedron Park Hotel is pulling out all the stops for this historic match. Join them for a pre-game BBQ starting at 12:00 p.m. to fuel up for the big game. There’ll be food and bar specials throughout the event to keep your energy up as you cheer for the Lions!

Get into the spirit with face painting for the kids (and adults!) and soak in the electric atmosphere of the MCG right here at Kedron, with venue-wide decorations to match the occasion.

The stage is set

The Lions entered the finals from fifth place but are charging into the grand final with incredible momentum. They’ve beaten the Swans three times in a row, including a nail-biting two-point victory earlier this season.

Their finals campaign has been nothing short of dramatic. After coming back from a 44-point deficit against Greater Western Sydney in the semis, they showed resilience once again by rallying from 25 points down against Geelong to secure their spot in the season decider.

 
 
 
 
 
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This is the first grand final without a Victorian team since 2006, and club legend Leigh Matthews will hand over the cup if the Lions win. After last year’s close loss, the team is hungrier than ever for redemption. Could this be the fairytale ending they’ve been working for all season?

About the Kedron Park Hotel

Situated on the corner of Kedron Park and Lutwyche Roads, Kedron Park Hotel is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. With the Graziers Steakhouse, Sports Bar, and Gaming Room, the hotel offers something for everyone.

The Sports Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy the game. With Foxtel broadcasting every minute of the AFL and state-of-the-art TAB facilities, Kedron Park Hotel is your go-to spot for a quiet drink or catching up with friends while soaking up the game day excitement.

Read: Downfall Creek: A 19th-Century Murder Mystery in Kedron

Bring your friends and family, and turn Kedron Park Hotel into a sea of maroon, blue, and gold! Call 83857 1482 or visit their website to book your spot.

Don’t miss out – be part of the action!

Published 25-September-2024

Lionhearted: Padua College’s Harris Andrews Leads Brisbane’s Second Shot at Premiership Glory

Harris Andrew, now considered the backbone of the Brisbane Lions’ defence, has risen to become a driving force behind their back-to-back grand final appearances. On Saturday, 28 September, the distinguished Old Boy of Padua College in Kedron returns, ready to seize his second shot at premiership glory.

Read: Padua College Students Brave the Shave for Leukaemia Research

Moving to Brisbane’s northern suburbs at just four years old, Andrews began his football journey with the Auskick program at Aspley before progressing to junior football for the Aspley Hornets a year later.

In 2014, the Lions selected Andrews with Pick 61 in the national draft, marking the beginning of his professional AFL career.

All-Australian snub?

Since joining the Lions, Andrews has cemented himself as one of the AFL’s premier defenders. He boasts an impressive resume: two-time All-Australian, Merrett-Murray Medalist, four-time winner of the Lions’ Most Professional Player Award, and in 2023, named co-captain of the Brisbane Lions alongside Lachie Neale.

This season, the 27-year-old dominated the AFL with his defensive prowess as the league’s intercept king during the regular season. Despite this outstanding performance, he was surprisingly omitted from the All-Australian team, a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Great player, better leader

Not only has Andrews cemented himself as a defensive powerhouse, but his leadership off the field has also taken centre stage. Now in his second year as co-captain, Andrews has led the Lions to consecutive grand final appearances.

His leadership style emphasises team success over individual accolades. Reflecting on his All-Australian omission, Andrews remarks that he’s “not really too concerned about it.”

“The reward I’ve gotten internally is what I really value, and I feel like my teammates and the coaches are really confident in my ability each week, so it is what it is.”

This selfless approach defines his leadership both on and off the field. “At the end of the day, we’re not here for the individual accolades. We’re here for team success,” Andrews remarked.

“After 10 years of playing footy, all I’m chasing is a premiership.”

Harris Andrews extends until 2029

Last week, Harris reaffirmed his commitment to the club that raised and supported him. The defender signed a four-year contract extension, securing his place with the Lions until at least the end of the 2029 season, when he will be 32 years old.

This extension not only ensures Andrews’ future but solidifies the Lions’ defensive core as they continue building towards sustained success.

Brisbane Lions general manager Danny Daly praised Andrews, saying, “Harris is everything you want in a person, player and leader, which is why we are extremely fortunate to have him at the Lions.”

Read: Ferny Grove State School Embraces Digital Future with Ellendale Grant

As Andrews looks ahead to 2029 and beyond, the goal remains unchanged: lead the Lions to premiership glory, proving his worth not only as a defender but as a true Lion at heart.

Published 24-September-2024