Star back reveals his source of pride
BRISBANE fans are quickly learning that Marcus Adams is a very good player but the powerhouse backman reckons Harris Andrews is the best defender in the competition.
The partnership Adams is forming with the Lions vicecaptain will be pivotal in their impending finals campaign and their battle with Tigers Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch at the MCG on Sunday. It will also have a major bearing on the Lions’ hopes of finishing in the top two.
In Saturday’s thrilling onepoint win over Geelong, Adams took on, and took down, two-time premiership star Tom Hawkins.
It was his best game as a Lion and earned a rave review from coach Chris Fagan.
The 26-year-old had multiple motivations for ensuring he had a big day.
He was desperate to earn his teammates’ respect and, after only being in the side since the Round 16 win over GWS due to a pre-season injury, he didn’t feel he had shown them exactly what he was capable of yet.
And he put his hand up to play on Hawkins.
“I said I could do it and I didn’t want to be the guy who promised the world and couldn’t deliver,’’ he said.
His stunning success means Fagan will have the option against certain rivals during the finals of giving Adams the opposition’s best big forward, freeing Andrews up to play a more intercepting role.
Adams wants the best forward, but he doesn’t think for a moment that means he is the main man in the back six.
That mantle belongs to the teammate he believes is at the top of the pile.
“I think Harris is the best defender in the competition to be honest,’’ he said.
“He is remarkable to play with. Not only is he a superb defender, he is terrific with his support play.’’