Jordan Lewis has never been afraid to take aim on the field, so it was no surprise he used his farewell press conference as a way to defend his football club amid claims coach Simon Goodwin was close to "losing" his players.

Demons great David Schwarz had declared this week on Macquarie Sports Radio that Goodwin, with the Demons languishing in 17th position, was "close to losing the team and that's a real concern". But Lewis, the four-time premiership Hawk turned Demon, who will play his 308th and final AFL match on Saturday, said nothing could be further from the truth.

Jordan Lewis defended Dees coach Simon Goodwin at the press conference announcing Lewis' retirement on Tuesday. Credit:AAP

Lewis, who has experienced just about all there is to experience through a distinguished career that included a best and fairest in a premiership season, said Goodwin's standing among his charges could not be stronger.

"He has been brilliant this year to be honest, in what has been a tough year for the football club and probably externally, I know Schwarz said the other day he is on the verge of losing the players, it could not be further from the truth. He has got closer to the players in a period where probably historically coaches have been divided," he said on Tuesday.