SETTLING for second-best isn’t in Jordan Lewis’ nature.
And the star midfielder is going about his business as usual, getting himself ready for what will hopefully be another big year.
Lewis has arguably his two strongest seasons for the Hawks in 2014 and 2015, but that won’t halt his desire to improve on his and the team’s efforts again in 2016.
“Whenever you’re involved in a system like this, you need to improve,” he told hawthornfc.com.au ahead of Saturday’s NAB Challenge match against Richmond.
“People are relying on you to improve and also you want to keep challenging yourself.
“There’s different things you change in the way you prepare for games, and I’m looking forward to the season coming around so I can execute them.”
After hand and finger surgery over the off-season, the Hawks vice-captain has strung together a solid training block ahead of his 12th AFL season.
With 240 games to his name and the off-season retirements of David Hale and Brian Lake, it’s a season Lewis will enter as the fourth most experienced player on the Hawks’ list.
And with fellow vice-captain Jarryd Roughead sidelined for the first half of the year, his experience and leadership becomes only more important.
That experience brings a wealth of knowledge about preparing for an arduous home-and-away season – and hopefully another finals campaign.
“When I sat down at the start of pre-season, I wanted to do over 90 percent, because I think that gives you a good foundation to really progress through the season and helps your body hold up to the rigours of AFL football,” the four-time premiership Hawk said.
“I’ve been pretty pleased with the way that’s happened.
“I’ve had a few hand and finger surgeries, so I’ve been out of ball work for a little bit but managed to still get some run into my legs.”
Plenty can change from year-to-year, but if Lewis’ performance in the Hawks’ NAB Challenge opener is anything to go by, not much appears to be changing in that regard.
He collected 27 disposals against the Blues – plus nine marks and five tackles – to be one of the most effective players on the ground.
The Hawks take the next step in their preparation for Round 1 against the Tigers this weekend, with Lewis excited about some of the potential for change.
With Hale, Lake and Matthew Suckling departing – and Roughead injured – there’s genuine opportunity for the young brigade coming through to establish themselves.
“I think it is (an exciting time),” Lewis said.
“It’s just a progression – we lost a few older players last year, so that presents an opportunity for younger guys to come through.
“It’s about those guys realising they have an opportunity to play – but we’re just not going to give kids games, they’ve got to earn their spots.”
The likes of James Sicily, Daniel Howe, Billy Hartung and Jonathan O’Rourke all feature in this week’s squad – and while it’s not a ‘do-or-die’ contest, it’s another opportunity to impress.
“It’s probably a younger group again this week – Shaun (Burgoyne) is the oldest and I’m the second oldest,” Lewis said.
“Richmond have put out a strong side and it’s a good chance for these guys to prove themselves and make sure they cement their spot for Round 1.”
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