Lewis looking strong

Entering his third AFL pre-season Jordan Lewis is fitter, trimmer and looking forward to 2007.

Lewis has been a stand out on the track during the Club’s pre-season training regime, recording personal best running times as he prepares for the rigors of a midfield role.

“Andrew Russell (fitness coach) developed a pre-season program for me with a focus on getting quicker and building my endurance,” Lewis said.

“Because I haven’t had any injuries or niggles I have been able to maintain my fitness since we started training in November.”

Since returning from the Christmas break Lewis has knocked 10 seconds off his previous 2km time trail and is the fittest he has been since being drafted by the Club at the end of 2004.

“This has been the first pre-season where I have been fit enough to keep up with the running and workload where previously I had been just trying finish each session,” Lewis said.

If all goes to plan, Lewis is set to reach the 50 game milestone in Round 11 this year.

“It’s been an exciting journey so far and I think 2007 is going to be the best year yet since I’ve been at the Club,” he said.

“We have a group of young guys who have started to play regular footy with each other and we are maturing together as a group.”

Lewis who continued to improve last season in the midfield hopes the preparation he is putting into his body now will assist during the year.

“I’m hoping the hard work that I’m putting in at training and the way my body is feeling now will hold me in good stead later in the year in spending longer time in the midfield,” he said.