Mitchell Lewis was chosen by the Hawks with selection No.76, the penultimate pick in the AFL National Draft.
The 198cm forward from Calder Cannons, who can also pinch-hit in the ruck, caught the attention of recruiters after a dominant game last year saw Lewis notch up four goals, 12 marks, 12 hit-outs and 33 disposals.
The Whittlesea junior's sporting talents don't stop at footy either, as he is a scratch golfer and was an outstanding junior cricketer as well.
Q. How have you found pre-season so far?
A. It's been a big change from school and TAC Cup footy. But it's been really good to get into training. There was a bit of a wait to get right into it, in between injuries for me, so it hasn’t been all smooth sailing but, for the stuff I have been doing, it has been really worthwhile so far.
Q. Where are you looking to play this year?
A. Wherever they put me really, I'm happy to play wherever! But I think majority of the time it will be that high forward who can run up the ground a bit and even pinch-hit in the ruck as well.
Q. What are your strengths as a player?
A. I think one of my strengths is working up and down the ground in that sort of forward role.
Q. What are the areas that you are looking to improve this pre-season?
A. My running technique is one. I'm working on trying to take smaller steps instead of overstriding. So just trying to be a bit more lighter on my feet and become more powerful in my running.
Q. What are your goals for the year?
A. We haven’t set any goals for the actual season yet. Our goal setting has more been on the pre-season. So my main goal has just been to get used to the life of an AFL footballer.
Q. Is there anyone at training who you've tried to follow around and emulate?
A. For the first few weeks, it was a couple of the younger guys in making us feel welcome. Tim O'Brien and James Sicily were really good to me. And then probably over the last month Roughy has been really good with guidance and directions on where to go out on the track and good ways to gain respect from the boys in the gym.
Q. What's the best advice/instruction that you've had since arriving at the club?
A. It was probably from Roughy when I was designated to miss a boxing session. A few of the boys were blowing and I wasn’t doing much and Roughy just said to go get the boys some water bottles, which they really appreciated. So probably just the way you can help others out around the club is something I have learnt.
Q. What are your current living circumstances now you're with the Hawks?
A. I moved in with a host family a week ago. It's a new host family for the club which they found for me, so I'm just in there with them. I'm the only player with them.
Q. Any nicknames Hawks fans should be aware of?
A. Oh, not really. Mainly just "Lewy" so far!
Q.Do you have a celebrity crush?
A. Margot Robbie is pretty good, I'll go with her!
Q. What are your hobbies outside of footy?
A. I'm a big golfer so that's probably my main hobby. A few of the boys have signed on at Huntingdale this year so I'll join them. It's a pretty large golfing culture here so I fit in quite well in that department!
Q. What is your biggest fear?
A. Being stranded in the middle of the ocean!
Q. What would you be doing if you didn’t get drafted?
A. Working at Maccas!
Q. If you were a superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
A. My name would probably be like Stretch or something, just so it relates to me and maybe I can just stretch any part of my body.
