IN the eyes of Alastair Clarkson, he played like a man possessed.

A man who would do whatever his team required to bring them victory.

Jordan Lewis’ performance in the 2011 preliminary final still stands out for the Hawks’ coach – even though it was a game his side agonisingly lost.

“Strangely enough, the one that stands out the most for me was the losing preliminary final in 2011,” Clarkson told hawthornfc.com.au

“He played like a man possessed.

“I always knew that he had that blue-collar, trench-warfare type of approach to his footy, but it was that particular game where he just had this real hatred to lose. He just wanted to lead the team over the line that night.”

The Hawks led at every change after starting as underdogs, but the Magpies overturned a 17-point deficit in the final term to end the Hawks’ season.

“We got beaten by three points. It was a fantastic contest against a really good opponent at the time,” Clarkson said.

Lewis had 28 disposals and was involved all over the ground. Fourteen of his disposals were contested. He laid eight tackles, won seven clearances, but couldn’t quite guide the Hawks into a grand final.

“Even though it was a losing game, it still remains the single most influential game that I feel like he’s played in terms of demonstrating his spirit,” Clarkson said.

“That’s the true Jordan Lewis – when he’s playing that way, he’s a teammate that everyone loves to play with.”