Hawthorn opts for height with AFL draft pick no.76, choosing Calder Cannons key forward Mitch Lewis

WHO would have thought Hawthorn could replace Mitchell and Lewis with one draft pick?

WHO would have thought Hawthorn could replace Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis with one draft pick?

Well, in a way.

With the penultimate pick in this year’s AFL National Draft — No.76 — the Hawks selected Calder Cannons key forward Mitchell Lewis.

Incredibly, Lewis wore jumper No.53 for Calder, a combination of those worn by Lewis and Mitchell throughout their decorated Hawthorn careers.

The 18-year-old chose football over two sports he could also have pursued professionally — cricket and golf.

Lewis was on the cusp of being picked in the Victorian Under-17 cricket side and playing golf with a handicap of one when he decided football was the sport for him.

He was football vice-captain at Assumption College this year, juggling school football with his TAC Cup commitments.

We have selected Mitchell Lewis with pick 76.

Ironic?

Welcome Mitchell!#AFLDraft #StrongAsOne

— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) November 25, 2016

The 197cm forward, who is also capable of playing in the ruck, produced the performance which made recruiters take notice against Gippsland Power in Round 15, booting four goals, reeling in 13 marks and collecting 33 disposals.

Those in attendance at Highgate Reserve on July 30 would understand if that performance alone was enough to convince the Hawks Lewis was worth a spot on their list.

Lewis did not make the Vic Metro squad for the Under-18 National Championships, but said the experience had been a wake-up call.

“They said I needed to improve my aggression and just all-round willingness to compete around the ball,” he said in August.

The Whittlesea junior has tried to model his game on Josh Kennedy, Jesse Hogan and Nick Riewoldt.

“His agility for a big man, I think he understands the game really well,” Cannnons talent manager Ian Kyte said.

Mitchell (West Coast) and Lewis (Melbourne) moved to rival clubs during the AFL trade period.