Jordan Lewis says Melbourne reminds him Hawthorn

JORDAN Lewis is excited that he can see similarities between Melbourne and his former side Hawthorn when it first embarked on its highly-successful era.

Jordan Lewis is excitied about the Demons. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

JORDAN Lewis is excited that he can see similarities between Melbourne and his former side Hawthorn when it first embarked on its highly-successful era, saying he now feels at home with his new club.

After playing his second pre-season match for the Demons, the four-time premiership player said he feels reinvigorated following his shock trade last October and believes the club can make an impact in 2017.

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Lewis also revealed his plans to play at least part of the season across halfback, and explained how out-of-favour forward Jack Watts had taken some important positive steps in recent weeks in terms of his training intensity after being overlooked so far this preseason.

“They are an exciting bunch, and they just need to harness that energy and make sure it is used in the right way,” Lewis said after the Demons’ 54-point win over the Blues at Casey Fields.

“It reminds me of when I first came into Hawthorn, and we were the younger kids. Richie Vandenberg, ‘Hodgey’, and ‘Mitch’ and those sort of guys tried to impart their knowledge onto us and that’s what I am trying to pass on here.

“I want to help out ‘Jonesy’ (Nathan Jones) and Jack Viney and the rest of the leadership group as much as I can.

“It feels really comfortable for me here now. People probably look from the outside and say ‘He has only played two (preseason) games, how can he feel so comfortable?’ But you get to spend every day with these guys.

“They are a really good young group that needs a bit of leadership around that, and that’s what I am here to provide.”

Jordan Lewis prepares to dish off a handball despite a flying tackle from Carlton’s Sam Docherty at Casey Fields. Picture: Getty Images

Lewis, 30, could prove one of the bargain trade pick-ups, but it is a move that he has no regrets about now — four weeks out from the start of the AFL season.

“I was probably never looking to leave but it is not until the opportunity presented itself that you think it is an option,” he said.”

“I wouldn’t turn back now. I am happy with my decision and where this side is at with a list that is improving out of sight and I’m really excited for the season ahead.”

He experienced first-hand evidence of Melbourne’s resurgence when the Demons overpowered the Hawks in Round 20, defeating their long-time nemesis for the first time since 2006.

“My most vivid memory was they belted (Hawthorn) up late in the season, and that was just a real step in the right direction against a side they hadn’t beaten for the last ten years,” he said.

“To dominate like they did, that was when the rest of the competition stood up and took notice. Now it is about putting those games back to back and that can only come with more experience.”

Lewis played almost three quarters of yesterday’s game across halfback, and has already spoken with coach Simon Goodwin about spending some more time in that role.

“It is hard to put a percentage on it,” he said of a possible midfield-defensive mix. “’Goody’ wants me to play a bit off the half back, and then some time on the wing, and through the middle.

“I played half back as a junior, but haven’t played it much in seniors. I feel the biggest part of my game is being able to read the play, so that probably suits half back a bit.”

He expects the Demons to field another strong side for the final JLT match, against West Coast in Perth on March 9.

“We are probably not a side that can cruise into the JLT and expect it to happen come the home-and-away season,” he said. “One, we need to get runs on the board but, two, we need to get that continuity between quarters and give the younger kids a lot of confidence coming into the season.”