By Alex Karavas
CALDER Cannons product Mitchell Lewis’ arrival onto the AFL scene has come about in a humorous way.
It is well known that Hawthorn parted ways with four-time premiership veterans Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell during last month’s AFL trade period.
Social media went into overdrive when the Hawks selected Mitchell Lewis, a key forward, with pick No. 76 in Friday’s draft with their second and last pick of the draft.
There were some suggestions the Hawks had dreamt up a publicity stunt for the departed veterans, but Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright told the club’s website that was certainly not the case.
“Mitch is a tall forward who can pitch in a bit in the ruck," Wright said. "Another one who is really competitive, marks the ball really well.
"He is a project player and still very raw.
"He is a scratch golfer and an outstanding junior cricketer as well, so he’s been really good at a couple of sports.
"We think that will be a real upside."
Lewis, who stands at 198cms tall, showed throughout this year with the Cannons that he can play some consistent footy.
His standout game came against Gippsland Power when he took 12 marks, had 33 disposals and booted four goals, while he produced similar efforts in school football at Assumption College.
In what many on social media saw as a coincidence, Lewis wore number 53 at the Cannons.
Jordan Lewis wore number three at the Hawks and Sam Mitchell number five as they were part of the Hawks recent spell of success.
Many on Twitter queried whether the young Hawk will take up the number he wore at the Cannons.
Calder Cannons hope that the Whittlesea junior can make strides in the AFL, as the hype surrounding his drafting by the Hawks continues to have tongues wagging.
Lewis was the first player to come through Whittlesea’s junior system to be drafted into the AFL.
Twitter: @Alex_Karra
Last Modified on 28/11/2016 11:56
