Unlike fellow 2014 draftee Liam Dawson, Harris Andrews had only been part of the Hyundai Brisbane Lions Academy for a relatively short period of time.

It wasn’t until a standout season with Aspley as a bottom-ager in the NEAFL U18 that the Lions stood up and took notice of the 200cm teenager.

Andrews kicked a competition-high 80 goals across 17 games in 2013 – an average of almost five per game – and he was promptly invited to join the Lions Academy.

In the past 12 months he further established himself as a legitimate AFL prospect, with his versatility fast becoming a feature of his game.

He proved his wares as a key forward after booting five goals in an Academy match against Gold Coast early in the year, before being shifted down back during the AFL National U18 Championships where he showed promise as a defender.

It’s that flexibility that saw AFL clubs start to circle Andrews, with the Lions ultimately committed to drafting him with their fourth round selection.

“Obviously versatility is a strong part of the game these days, and I think I can play up forward, down back, and even pinch-hit in the ruck,” Andrews told lions.com.au.

“I would describe myself as a competitive and smart footballer who will is always going to give a contest.”

The past 12 months has been quite a journey for Andrews, who said he could never have predicted where he ended up.

“(Getting drafted to the AFL) definitely wasn’t on my agenda last year,” Andrews said.

“This year was my first as part of the Academy. Before then, I didn’t really see myself as being any good at footy. I just sort of played with my mates at the local Aspley club.

“I stood up a bit last year and kicked a couple of goals in the NEAFL U18 competition, and I guess that’s helped me get where I am now.

“It’s been a crazy sort of last 11 months and I'm thrilled about the future that lies ahead.”