Answerth's ankle injury key to Brisbane-Hawthorn clash
Noah Answerth's ankle injury threatens Brisbane's plan to defend Hawthorn star Nick Watson in Saturday's preliminary final.
Answerth is one of the few AFL players who can slow Watson, the 2026 All-Australian and Hawthorn's most dangerous weapon. When Brisbane played Hawthorn in round 22, Watson went goalless for the first time in 30 matches while closely marked by Answerth.
In three career games against Brisbane, Watson has kicked just one goal. Answerth badly tweaked his ankle in the qualifying final loss to Sydney and missed last weekend's win over Adelaide.
He didn't run all week but attended Tuesday's light session. Coach Chris Fagan will test him at main training on Thursday.
If unfit, Brisbane would shift to Ryan Lester or Darcy Wilmot, neither with Answerth's proven track record against Watson.
- Nick Watson
- Hawthorn star
- Noah Answerth
- Brisbane defender
- 2026 All-Australian
- Watson's award
- SCG Sydney Saturday
- Match location
Why it mattersWho marks Watson could decide which team reaches the Grand Final, making Answerth's fitness call crucial.
AustraliaBrisbane's path to the Grand Final may hinge on one defender's ankle.
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