What is Jordan Lewis' role?

[TheExtractorFactor]

Ever since that prelim against Collingwood where he was fantastic it seems he hasnt played in the guts as much

 

[parsons nose]

It's posts like this which I can't ignore, primarily because it's blatantly incorrect.

Firstly Lewis has shown he is an elite midfielder. Proven it in a couple of defining finals games. In particular the prelim against Collingwood in 11. A large percentage of Buddy's goals from last year came from Lewis. He isn't quick enough in mind? Have a look at the handballs he dished out to Franklin when he kicked 13. Some of the best handballs and kicks to advantage you will ever see. Saying he is an assignment player only is both uneducated and incorrect.

Second, the coaching team asks all of our players to execute a role. I can say as fact that Lewis gets asked to undertake roles that often rely on him sacrificing his own game. And it's a bloody tough gig to play a game in conflict with your ball winning instinct. Yet he does it week in week out. Was given a task on an in form Walker last night and stopped him in his tracks. Anyone who knows anything about football understands you cannot stop a player and get 30 possies a game. Lewis did a job last night that he will never get kudos for.

Lastly, I've observed a few people having a go at his weight. He had quite a serious wrist injury over the preseason where he had limited ball time. As a result he did more cardio at our preseason camp in and with the heat, lost more weight. Given the assignments he has been given in 13, he needs to be thinner. He is also preparing his body for when capped interchanges takes effect. Endurance will be critical when next season rolls around.

If you agree that the stock in trade for elite mids is to read the tapouts of opposition ruckman or be an integral part of clearance play in frenetic circumstances that is stoppages, Lewis is behind numerous others at Hawthorn. When the game is on the line, it's the likes of Sewell, Mitchell, Hodge, Rioli and to a lesser extent Sheils I want to see in at the centre bounce and more often than not it's these guys who called upon.

 

[Phil McCreviss]

If you agree that the stock in trade for elite mids is to read the tapouts of opposition ruckman or be an integral part of clearance play in frenetic circumstances that is stoppages, Lewis is behind numerous others at Hawthorn. When the game is on the line, it's the likes of Sewell, Mitchell, Hodge, Rioli and to a lesser extent Sheils I want to see in at the centre bounce and more often than not it's these guys who called upon.

No I don't. Midfielders aren't that one dimensional. Lewis certainly isn't. I am not sure what point you are trying to prove. Are you saying to drop him?

Who cares where he is in the pecking order? He plays a role that is often misunderstood on this board and your assessment is case in point. Internally the club rates him a lot higher than you do and really, that's all that matters.

 

[Harper_Hawk]

No I don't. Midfielders aren't that one dimensional. Lewis certainly isn't. I am not sure what point you are trying to prove. Are you saying to drop him?

Who cares where he is in the pecking order? He plays a role that is often misunderstood on this board and your assessment is case in point. Internally the club rates him a lot higher than you do and really, that's all that matters.

Can you explain what this role is. I like Lewis. Observing how he's playing I think he's better than what his output is at the moment.

 

[CaptainHodgey]

Who cares where he is in the pecking order? He plays a role that is often misunderstood on this board and your assessment is case in point. Internally the club rates him a lot higher than you do and really, that's all that matters.

I don't believe I misunderstand his role , which is admittedly important. What I'm wondering is why is he the one who is being continually asked to sacrifice his game? No offense intended but those at other clubs who play his type of role are usually of the more dour variety.

Free Jordan Lewis !

 

[natio]

I think people are being a bit critical here. From what I understand, the wrist surgery he had in the off-season took a bit to get right, so that meant he had a little bit of a restricted pre-season (plenty of running, not much ball work or weights, though). So I think this has been a factor to his slower than usual start to the season. (Just on players slimming down - from what I hear, there was a deliberate attempt to slim some players down, Hodge/Rough/Lake, but Lewis wasn't one of them. His smaller size this year is just a result of not being able to do weights during the pre-season)

Secondly, Lewis is a gun. People forget, when he isn't playing a "role" he knows where to find the footy, is a good user of the ball, good overhead etc. Ok, he is not quick but some players don't need to be. But his biggest strength is his versatility. He can literally play in all areas on the ground; which is why he is so highly rated by opposition coaches. He would be one of the first picked each week and as the season goes on I expect him to get better the more football he gets.

Oh, and he is tougher that Chuck Norris!

 

[Phil McCreviss]

I don't believe I misunderstand his role , which is admittedly important. What I'm wondering is why is he the one who is being continually asked to sacrifice his game?

Might have to do with the coaches knowing he will get the job done. Because he usually does.

It's amazing how many times I see "Player X" is out of form comments but it's clear they were given a role for that game which they successfully carried out. Example: Buddy is apparently in career worst form yet blind Freddie can see he is primarily playing as a decoy so we spread the scoring load.

 

[Phil McCreviss]

Can you explain what this role is. I like Lewis. Observing how he's playing I think he's better than what his output is at the moment.

Varies each week depending on the opposition Harp. Some games he will get more of a licence to hunt the ball. It is funny reading this stuff about where Lewis stands in the midfield pecking order. Because I am sure the players discuss that amongst themselves

 

[CaptainHodgey]

This week Lewis was used in a pure negating role on deledio. Meanwhile our midfield was smashed. I've said it before and I'll say it again . Free Jordan Lewis! Lets see him take over a game, enough of this tagging rubbish!