Bernie Vince says he was flattered to learn Jordan Lewis wanted a trade to Melbourne

BERNIE Vince says Jordan Lewis’ arrival at Melbourne is a sign the club is heading in the right direction.

Bernie Vince is excited about playing alongside Jordan Lewis. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

BERNIE Vince says Jordan Lewis’ arrival at Melbourne is a sure sign the club is heading in the right direction.

Lewis, 30, came to the Demons in the trade period, after 264 games and four premierships at Hawthorn.

An honest meeting with coach Alastair Clarkson in the wake of the club’s straight sets exit from the finals was the catalyst for Lewis’ move.

The boy from Warrnambool assessed his options and nominated Melbourne as his club of choice.

“I think it was very flattering for our footy club with where we’re at for a guy of that calibre to pick only us,” Vince told SEN.

“He was only going to leave Hawthorn if he could come to us.

“If you were to say that a few years ago back it just wouldn’t have happened so it’s just good for a guy like that to say that.”

With the Demons poised to play finals for the first time since 2006, Vince said Lewis’ wealth of knowledge would prove invaluable, particularly for the club’s young brigade of midfielders.

And the experience Lewis will be able to pass on to the likes of Jack Viney, Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Clayton Oliver should hold the club in good stead.

He comes to Melbourne with not just four premierships, but All-Australian and club best and fairest honours.

“He’s done pretty much everything you can — and done it a few times,” Vince said.

“He’s played in four flags so there’ll be a lot of conversations and ideas bounced off of him and how Hawthorn did things well and what we can improve on.

“They won a flag when they had a pretty young list back in ‘08 as well.”

With the arrival of Lewis, as well as former Bombers Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham, Vince indicated the club was in good shape to make the final eight.

“We’re not putting any limitations on ourselves,” Vince said.

“We’ve had (Melksham) for a year but we haven’t used him so he’s like having a new recruit as well, refreshed after a year off. And Hibberd has come to the footy club as well. He’s a great guy as well, a real courageous back that’s going to be really handy for us.

“We think we’re in a good position but that hype can only goes as far as we take it.”

Originally published as Bernie Vince says he was flattered to learn Jordan Lewis wanted a trade to Melbourne