“Freak”: King commends underacknowledged Lions superstar

Harris Andrews has become just the ninth player to captain a side to three premierships, and it couldn’t be more deserved.

The All-Australian key defender faced a defensive tag from Fremantle forward Patrick Voss – who commenced the game in great fashion, holding Andrews without a mark or disposal in the first term and just three touches by half-time.

However, Andrews flipped the script, playing a crucial role behind the ball to set the Lions up for an incredible come-from-behind victory.

At 29 years of age, Andrews’ resume speaks for itself; a three-time premiership captain, four-time All-Australian and two-time Brisbane best and fairest.

Clearly the best defender in the AFL, David King believes his importance to the Brisbane Lions is often undervalued, particularly through a league-wide lens.

“I think this group will run the full course of seasons and into prelims at a minimum as long as Harris Andrews is playing like this or is still out on the park,” King told SEN Fireball.

“His ability to cover and save… the amount of times Luke Jackson got forward of Darcy Fort, or forward of Sam Draper and (Andrews) just got a hand in.

“Spoil the ball, release off his man, he covers for everyone. There were three big spoils in a row that go about 40 metres? What a play. What a man!

“When (Fremantle) were charging at them, he’s the reason that they didn’t put another three goals on the board.

“That’s enough to give this group hope and keep them in the game when things aren’t going your way, and you need that in big finals.

“This is the gap for a lot of teams in the competition, and this is why they are all scrambling. Harris Andrews into the Dogs’ team makes them premiership favourites.

“This is why we talk about Connor O’Sullivan like we are – is he going to be the next Harris Andrews? Well, the Cats are going to be in it for another decade.

“This guy is a freak, and he doesn’t get recognised anywhere with any major awards.

“Outside of All-Australians, there’s not a lot of recognition for key backs.”

In 2026, the AFL Coaches Association introduced the Defensive Player of the Year Award, with St Kilda’s Callum Wilkie named the inaugural winner.

Harris Andrews was one of three defenders tying for second spot, with he, Sydney’s Tom McCartin and Geelong’s Connor O’Sullivan all mounting 30 votes.

Andrews is contracted with the Lions until 2029.