Traded Alex Witherden (2016-2020)

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Young Lions making early impression

BRISBANE are hoping their future can make another mark on the present against Essendon at Etihad Stadium today. With Dayne Beams injured and Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich nowhere to be seen against GWS last week it was a trio of draftees playing together for the first time that rose to the occasion.

The Lions’ have been bullish about their draft class of 2016 from the night they called their names and last weekend Hugh McCluggage (3), Jarrod Berry (19) and Alex Witherden (23) on debut showed why.

Witherden was the standout in his first game and Berry has impressed Lions coaches with his transformation into the midfield after playing primarily across half forward and back in under-age footy.

Recruiter Stephen Conole said ball use was one thing he had valued highly while rating the draft crop last year. It was a combination, we were looking for talent first and foremost, then it was character, they are all great individuals and each have had to show some resilience through certain aspects over the past year or so, and we were very impressed with that,” he said.

“Then we were looking at their ball use, it was very good at under-18s level and they have been able to produce that in senior footy.” While McCluggage was always going to go in the top three, Witherden slid down the draft order after breaking his leg early in his final U18s year.

However, the Lions had identified him long before then and weren’t at all perturbed. Conole said he believed Witherden would eventually be considered a draft steal. He said the Lions thought Witherden and McCluggage had been “tracking along the same path”.

 

[CuttlefishMcfly]

Anyone know how Alex is tracking ?
Looks like a very classy player, Just needs to improve his endurance... Reminds me of Michael Rischitelli early in his career but with better disposal.

If you genuinely want something, don't wait for it teach yourself to be impatient.

 

[M Malice]

WOW!

 

[Nunez]

Wow indeed. Blown away

 

[iBeng]

Docherty who?

 

[BuntonRules]

Just absolute class

 

[pulpdriver]

Docherty who?

I'm not sure Witherden be halfback though. So much to like but some of those efforts in close just make think he'll end up in the midfield.

 

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YOUNG CUBS READY TO ‘HAVE SOME FUN’

Led by veteran duo Dayne Zorko and Tom Rockliff in the midfield, a host of young Brisbane players stamped their authority on the match when the game was there to be won.

Alex Witherden, playing in just his second game, racked up 29 disposals — while Eric Hipwood, Hugh McCluggage, Harris Andrews, Daniel McStay and Jarrod Berry all played pivotal roles.

Hipwood kicked four goals in the win — leading to more Buddy comparisons, while Witherden looks almost certain to follow McCluggage last week and win a Rising Star nomination. Playing in just his second game, the teenager finished with 29 disposals, eight marks and six rebounds out of Brisbane’s defensive 50.

Hopefully he gets the nod for Rising Star, but knowing the selection committee, they generally give the award to a player following a body of work and as Coach Fagan said, Ben Ainsworth kicked 4, so wouldn't be surprised if Alex misses out despite him having a better individual game than Ainsworth's four goal game last night.

 

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In just his second AFL game, Alex Witherden – pick No.23 in last year's NAB AFL Draft – epitomised the Lions' pluck as he racked up 29 disposals in a polished display.

Based on his efforts against the Bombers, Witherden could join Hugh McCluggage and Eric Hipwood as a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

 

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Backman Alex Witherden was one of the shining lights. In just his second game, the No.23 pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft racked up 29 disposals and impressed with his classy ball use.

He spent most of 2016 on the sidelines after suffering a badly broken leg in May that required surgery. "His first two games have been outstanding really, when you think about it. He's 18 years of age," Fagan said.

A tumultuous lead-up to the game saw him arrive in Melbourne earlier in the week for his grandmother's funeral before flying back to Brisbane for a training session on Thursday.

"It shows he's got a lot of mental strength," Fagan said. He could follow on from Hugh McCluggage's last week and be the club's second straight NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

 

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[LongLion]

gunna be pretty hard not to get the nod after his 1st 2 ripper games.

 

[xplo]

YOUNG CUBS READY TO ‘HAVE SOME FUN’


Hopefully he gets the nod for Rising Star, but knowing the selection committee, they generally give the award to a player following a body of work and as Coach Fagan said, Ben Ainsworth kicked 4, so wouldn't be surprised if Alex misses out despite him having a better individual game than Ainsworth's four goal game last night.

Somewhat agree, though Ainsworth hasn't played a lot more footy than Witherden. 6 games vs 2.

 

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Fagan paid special tribute to Alex Witherden, who played a starring role by collecting 29 touches in just his second game, despite enduring a tough week due to the death of his grandmother.

“His first two games have been outstanding really, he’s 18 years of age,” he said. “He had to come from a funeral in Melbourne this week, then get back to Brisbane to train and fly back down for the weekend, and to play like he did shows he has got a lot of mental strength.”

 

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Unsung Heroes - Round 15

Brisbane: Alex Witherden

In his second game of AFL, Alex Witherden produced a game of an established 100-game veteran. The 18-year-old provided plenty of poise down back for the Lions, collecting 29 disposals at 72.4 per cent disposal efficiency. Witherden looked a step ahead of his Essendon opponents making first-class decisions to help his side break the game open from the back half. He looks set for a long stint in a Lions back six.

 

[Dylan12]

Alex meeting the great Bernie Quinlan and Garry Wilson (Fitzroy's most famous #29) after the win against Essendon.

Great to see two former legends of Fitzroy in the rooms and getting behind the modern day Lions.

 

[Always a Lion]

Alex meeting the great Bernie Quinlan and Garry Wilson (Fitzroy's most famous #29) after the win against Essendon.

Great to see two former legends of Fitzroy in the rooms and getting behind the modern day Lions.

Fantastic stuff, my two childhood heroes.

Curiously, Alex met Gary and Bernie before the game. Who knows, it may have inspired him to have a blinder

 

[Dylan12]

Fantastic stuff, my two childhood heroes.

Curiously, Alex met Gary and Bernie before the game. Who knows, it may have inspired him to have a blinder

My mistake, thought it was after the game.

On another note, check out the lurker that photo bombed the pic.

 

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The eligible players from each club yet to be nominated for the AFL Rising Star award

After a superb start to his AFL career, Alex Witherden looms as the next Lion, after Eric Hipwood and Hugh McCluggage, to secure a Rising Star nomination. The classy youngster impressed with 20 disposals on debut against GWS, then backed up with 29 touches and six rebound-50s against Essendon. That said, fellow first-year Lion Jarrod Berry could also come into contention, having impressed with his composure.

 

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Round 15: First Year Focus

Another week of football done, and a second straight week of some big scores from unexpected sources. While some players pumped out big tons, I’ve opted for players who are more likely to become solid long-term options as this week’s positional players of the week, with three being players in their debut season. There are plenty of point-of-difference players who have presented themselves however, so let’s take a look at which potential waiver wire options starred in Round 15:

BACK OF THE WEEK: Alex Witherden

In just his second senior game, young Lion Witherden’s performance was enough to suggest he’ll be a long-term player at Brisbane, as he collected 16 kicks, 13 handballs and eight marks for a total of 96 points. The 18 year old had 20 disposals and seven marks for 77 points on debut against the Giants last week, with his delivery by foot setting him apart from other debutants this season.

A ball-winning half back/midfielder for the Geelong Falcons as a junior, Witherden broke his leg in 2016, which saw him slide to pick 23 in the National Draft. His ability to read the play and remain composed coming out of defence should see him continue to be an option at Brisbane after consistent NEAFL form, and now is the time to get on the dual position defender/midfielder before this becomes common knowledge. He can be found as a free agent in 55% of all leagues.

 

[jackess]

Been surprised by his defensive work but also his contested footy has been quite good. Hopefully with a big pre-season we can see him spending some more time in the midfield next season. Even if it's in the reserves.

 

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[Dalions]

He is like ice with his kick ins.

 

[Ceebee]

He is like ice with his kick ins.

It is amazing , his kicks are pure magic.