Typically understated, Noah Answerth reckons injuries may have had an impact as the Brisbane Lions defender eyes his 100th AFL game eight seasons after his debut.
While backline partner Darcy Wilmot's racked up 104 appearances since a September debut in 2022, Answerth's done it the hard way.
In 2024 he rattled off the long list of issues he'd dealt with since the Lions plucked him with pick No.55 in the 2018 draft.
An 18-month groin issue, two shoulder reconstructions and a face broken in four places by the skull of an opponent.
But he left out the fractured vertebra suffered as a junior for Oakleigh Chargers in 2017 that led to thoughts of quitting the game altogether.
Since then, he's ruptured his Achilles and been stung by two concussions after making his return in round two this season.
"It's been a long time coming," he said ahead of the clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium - the same opponent and venue where he suffered his Achilles tear barely a year ago - on Saturday.
"When you play with guys like Darcy Wilmot who plays 100 in four years and it takes you double the time, it sort of hits home. But very grateful.
"It's been eight years and I'm just happy to get those eight years in because the injuries definitely had an impact and I've had a fair few of them."
Answerth said it was the positivity of his coaches 10 years ago that initially convinced him he could make a career of the sport, despite his scary fracture.
"I thought about not playing ever again after that," he said of his 2017 setback.
Answerth soldiered on and said this year's concussions didn't have the same impact.
"Concussion, it's going to happen in our game," he said.
"You can't help it and I sign up to play. I just love the game, concussion isn't going to stop me getting my chance and the club looked after me really well."
Answerth had six weeks off after his second head knock this season, but has quickly re-established himself as a key piece as the two-time defending champions push for a three-peat.
With Brandon Starcevich's departure to West Coast, Answerth has emerged as the obvious option to mark the opponent's most dangerous small forward.
He is looking forward to matching up against the most-recent Rising Star nod Talor Byrne, who kicked three goals and had 17 touches in a win against Gold Coast last week.
"I don't think I'm the most talented player going around, but I give a lot of effort and try my hardest," Answerth said.
