“I can honestly stand here today and say that I’ve got a lot of great memories at Hawthorn, but when I finish my career I will love both sides. An elite junior, Lewis was taken at pick seven in the 2004 draft. Donning the number 40, he played 19 games in his first season, winning just five games. Barely three seasons later, he was a premership player and became part of what would become one of the greatest teams the game has ever seen. And while Lewis doesn’t have much time to stop and reflect, given the precarious ladder position his new side finds themselves in, he is able to compare his perspectives between then and now.

Both as a player but also as a father. 2015 glory: Lewis and Cyril Rioli. Credit:Graham Denholm “I was very forunate to play with Shane Crawford towards the back end of his career and achieve success with him and seeing what he put into that club, that was a real highlight for me. “And now, to be able to play football and now have my boys there, not necessarily the twins but more [eldest son] Freddy, because I remember going to the football with my father and they’re some of the greatrest memories that I’ve got.” After reaching club royalty status at Hawthorn reasonably early in his career, his abrupt departure and trade to Melbourne came as a shock to the boy from Warrnambool.

But the man known affectionately by his mates as “Taz” – because of his apparent likeness in looks to former Collingwood star Chris Tarrant – it’s not something his brooding about. “Maybe if I didn’t get an opportunity to come to Melbourne I may not have played 300. “I think I’ve been really privileged to experience two different sides and two well-established sides and to meet new friends for life. “Knowing what I know now, I still probably would’ve made the same decision that I made.” It’s hard to argue that his move to the Demons hasn’t been a success for both parties.

Despite the fact that Melbourne knew it was picking up a player in the latter stages of his career, Lewis has averaged 25 disposals in his 35 games for his second club. And on top of that, he’s brought priceless leadership. Just ask young star midfielder Angus Brayshaw. “What Lewy has been able to do for this club in the short time he’s been here has probably been underestimated. He’s invested so totally in the club," Brayshaw said. Lewis is in his second season at his second football home. Credit:Justin McManus Brayshaw also spoke glowingly about the personal impact Lewis has had on his career.

“I think sometimes we hold him up on a pedestal and that’s fair, because he’s a superstar. You know just being a bit cautious about him, or he’s so much better than I am or won all these games I haven’t won … but he and I from pretty early on got along really well and the things he’s been able to teach me … I’ve been getting everything out of him while I still can.” Brayshaw’s final point is a pertinent one. Lewis, 32, is contracted until the end of next year and such is the style of modern footy, questions are already being raised as to whether he’ll see out that contract. But Lewis, who’s not only been a gun player but is also becoming a star midfielder, is all too aware of the cynical nature of the industry. “I think when you come into the game there’s always people out there that want to be the first one to say that this guy is going to be a really good player. “And then when you come to the latter part of you’re career, it’s like: this guy will finish up really soon.

“If I’m playing well and my body’s healthy and the there’s still a position for me, I’ll play as long as I possibly can. If that isn’t there, well then I’ll retire and go on to something else.”