Hawthorn recruiters were quick to see the irony in their drafting of Mitchell Lewis

HAWTHORN recruiters were quick to see the irony in their drafting of Mitchell Lewis, just weeks after trading out Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis.

Mitchell Lewis was selected by Hawthorn.

HAWTHORN’S recruiters saw the irony as they began tapping in the name.

Pick No. 76, Mitchell Lewis.

Forget for the moment that the powerful 198cm big man is also a star golfer (handicap of one) and a fast bowler who was on the fringe of Victorian under-17 selection.

After losing premiership midfield heroes Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell, the name of their newest tall forward project seemed too good to be true.

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“We had never really thought about it until we put his name in there because we call him Mitch, rather than Mitchell, but, yes, pardon the pun,” list chief Graham Wright said.

The Hawks waited patiently at the back of the queue in Friday night’s draft but were still thrilled to land the marking forward and another half-back with a laser-like kick, Harry Morrison, at pick No. 74.

Mitchell Lewis attempts a mark in the TAC Cup. Picture: David Smith

Murray Bushrangers’ Morrison is just like so many of the Hawks’ premiership stars, with his lethal foot skills and strong intercept marking.

He finished second in the goalkicking test at the draft combine, even as a defender, and has recovered from ACL knee injury in 2015.

“He is a really good user of the footy, good reader of the play,” Wright said.

“He is a right footer who can kick both feet, so we are actually really happy Harry was there.”

Big man Lewis chose footy over potential professional golf and cricket careers and starred late in the TAC Cup season for Calder, racking up four goals, 12 marks and 33 possessions in his best game of the year against Gippsland Power.

All of a sudden his marks were sticking and the Hawks were one of the clubs starting to take notice.

He will join the Hawks stable of emerging talls including James Sicily and Tim O’Brien and new free agency pick-up Tyrone Vickery.

Mitchell Lewis spoils a ball in the TAC Cup. Picture: Steve Tanner

Wright said the Hawks would be patient with the raw big man, knowing he will take a few years to refine his aerial craft for the big league.

But at that late pick, even rival recruiters agreed he was worth the punt late.

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“He is a tall forward who can pinch-hit in the ruck a little bit,” Wright said.

“And he is a scratch golfer and an elite cricketer as well.

“He is a high-quality kid who we think has a fair bit of upside, but we know he is going to take some time.

“He is a big boy, he’s pretty powerful and can cover the ground as well, so he’s certainly talented.”