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
• 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
