PUSHING for a senior VFL berth will be Jermaine Miller-Lewis’s goal in the second half of 2015.
The first-year Hawthorn rookie has been building form in Box Hill Hawks’ undefeated development side – which sits on top of the ladder and has now tasted back-to-back 100-plus-point triumphs.
Miller-Lewis had been hampered by injuries in the two seasons before being drafted by the Hawks.
Taken with pick 36 in last year’s AFL Rookie Draft, the 19-year-old has managed seven games at development level this season and is confident he’s on the right track.
“I’ve got into a bit of form now,” Miller-Lewis said.
“I’m starting to play up higher on the ground now – playing on the wing and halfback, so I’m getting a bit of the footy and trying to string a few more consistent games together.
Hawthorn Development Coach Rob McCartney believes Miller-Lewis, who has played a number of different roles, will continue to get better as the year continues.
“In the early part of the season Jermaine played predominantly as a forward, using his leg speed to pressure the opposition and keep the ball in our forward half,” McCartney said.
“In recent weeks we’ve pushed him up to the wing and this has allowed him to play with a more attacking instinct.
“He’s starting to win more of the footy, taking the opposition on with his side step and playing with the confidence that will see his game develop.”
Miller-Lewis is enjoying playing at Box Hill, and acknowledged it would be difficult to break into the senior VFL side – which is also on top of the ladder.
But he’s up for the challenge.
“It’s great to be down there, it’s good spirits down there and the boys are awesome,” he said.
“We’ve got a really squad in the development and seniors, and it’s hard to crack into the senior squad, let alone for other boys trying to crack into the development squad.
“Hopefully I’ll be playing VFL seniors before the end of the season.”
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