Mitch Lewis’ Hawthorn career began with a chuckle.
Just over a month after the Hawks farewelled club stalwarts Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis in a busy trade period, they chose to use their 76th selection in the 2016 national draft on a young Calder Cannon by the name of Mitchell Lewis.
Given the age we live in, social media naturally blew up.
It was a unique way to be endeared to the Hawthorn faithful.
But, in 2019, Lewis endeared himself to the brown and gold in a much different way – a more impressive, more exciting, more imposing way.
Read: Break out year for a veteran Hawk
With question marks over Hawthorn’s key forward stocks of the future, a 20-year-old Lewis put his hand firmly up in the air.
Entering this year with just two senior games to his name, Lewis was determined to make a greater influence in his third year on the list.
He got his first chance at the top level in Round 5 after spending the first month of the year continuing his toil with Box Hill.
Featuring in five of the next six games, Lewis proved a goalkicker, booting seven goals over the period.
But, despite kicking two goals against Brisbane in Round 11, Alastair Clarkson wasn’t quite satisfied, leaving the young forward out of the senior line-up for the month following the Round 12 bye.
As a young player, that moment represents a crossroad.
Either feel sorry for yourself and allow your form to drop as a result or take on the feedback and work harder.
Lewis chose the latter.
A string of strong VFL performances earned him a Round 16 senior recall.
From there, he didn’t look back.
In the final six games of his season, Lewis averaged 14.2 disposals, 4.8 marks, 2.5 contested marks and 2.2 goals.
Towering marks and important goals underlined a pivotal period in his career.
Lewis was the focal point of the Hawks’ attack, playing a vital role in the side’s late-season blitz.
Lewis was fittingly named Most Promising Player on Saturday night on the back of this outstanding block of form.
With the retirement of Jarryd Roughead at season’s end, Lewis’ next step is one that the Hawthorn faithful will be watching with interest.
