Latest news with #NoahAnswerth
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Noah Answerth's misfortune could lead to an AFL debut for Luke Beecken
As 'irreplaceable' as Noah Answerth is in Brisbane's defence, his season-ending injury could open the door for the impressive Luke Beecken to make his AFL debut in the Lions' clash with the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on Friday night. Answerth is facing at least nine months on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Brisbane's 37-point win over Carlton last Thursday night. 'We've certainly got replacements, but Noah's almost irreplaceable with the attitude and the effort that he puts into his game every week,' Lions veteran Dayne Zorko told SENQ Breakfast show. 'He's hard to replace, but we've certainly got players there that can come in and help us out.' Star half-back Keidean Coleman has made a timely return from injury in Brisbane's VFL team, however his attributes are different to those of Answerth's. 'He played a really good game in the VFL on the weekend,' Zorko said of Coleman. 'I wouldn't be surprised if they give him a few more games there (in the VFL) and then look to get him back in for the last few rounds of the AFL season. 'We've got some really good players in the VFL that are going superbly, especially on that half-back line. 'We've got Shadeau Brain who also played a few (AFL) games last year, and we've got another young kid named Luke Beecken, who I've been working really closely with, that's having a really breakout season in the VFL.' Beecken, 24, joined the Lions in last year's mid-season rookie draft from SANFL outfit Woodville-West Torrens. Lions triple premiership-winning star Alastair Lynch said Friday's game would be a good chance to blood Beecken at AFL level, and that there was no rush to bring Coleman back after having played only one game of top-flight football since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in March last year. 'It's all about how can they get (Coleman) right because he hasn't been right so far,' Lynch said. 'He hasn't had a good run at it, so give him a couple of more weeks (in the VFL).' The Lions will also need to replace in-form midfielder-forward Zac Bailey, who has been suspended for one match for rough conduct following his bump on Carlton's Nick Haynes last week. Lynch suggested that the versatile Bruce Reville loomed as a good option to replace Bailey in Brisbane's 23. The second-placed Lions are chasing a fourth successive win.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lions gutted as Answerth suffers season-ending injury
AFL premiership defender Noah Answerth is set to miss the rest of the Brisbane Lions' flag defence with a suspected ruptured achilles. Answerth fell in a heap after attempting to push off his left leg during the second quarter of the Lions' 15.13 (103) to 9.12 (66) win over Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. The 25-year-old was helped off the field by trainers, leaving club officials immediately fearing the worst. "It's a bad injury. I think he's ruptured his Achilles," Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said. "I'm no medical expert, but I think they're sort of about a nine-month recovery from surgery. "It's such a pity because he was playing very well, a terrific game." Answerth previously missed the back half of 2020 and entire 2021 season with persistent groin issues, but was a regular in the 2024 premiership side. He had featured in every game this year for the second-placed Lions, who looked primed for another flag push. "He was on crutches and he came and asked how I was... That just speaks volumes of his character." ❤️Cam Rayner discusses Noah Answerth's injury.#AFLBluesLions — AFL (@AFL) July 10, 2025 Fagan described Answerth as one of the more popular members of the Lions' team. "He's the ultimate team player and we're all very disappointed for him," Fagan said. "He was a really important part of our premiership team last year and he's just one of those blokes who will do anything for you. "So we'll all be a bit flat about that. We'll have to move on of course, because that's footy and these things happen. "But Noah's just one of those blokes who's a little bit unlucky with injury." Answerth joins fellow defender Jack Payne and small forward Lincoln McCarthy (both knee) on the long-term injury list.
