IF there is one thing Jordan Lewis prides himself on, it is delivering on the big stage.
It’s something the Hawthorn star has been able to consistently manage to do over the past dozen years.
On Saturday, Lewis will take to the field for his 250th game, with that reputation for being an out-and-out competitor - capable of producing the goods when his side needs it most - firmly entrenched in the minds of many a HawthoRn supporter.
“It’s been a great journey,” the 30-year-old told hawthornfc.com.au ahead of his milestone match.
“There’s been a lot of stability in the club, so I think that helps with an individual being able to perform week-in, week-out – it’s just a really good club to be around.
“I’ve always prided myself on playing well whether it be a final or coming up against a really good side, performing and helping the side in that sense.
“I’ve managed to play well in big games and finals, and I think that’s probably what I’m most proud of.”
Since being drafted by the Hawks with pick seven in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft, it’s been hard to imagine a Hawthorn side without him in it.
Lewis debuted in Round 3 of his inaugural AFL season, featuring in 19 or more games in each of his 11 completed seasons.
It’s a career that has encompassed the ultimate success on four occasions – in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2015. His 2014 season was a standout – one in which the tough midfielder earned All Australian selection and the club’s best and fairest, the Peter Crimmins Medal.
The premierships have been highlights – undoubtedly – but it’s the big games and rivalries that also stand out for Lewis.
“It’s hard to go away from that (the premierships), but the battles with had with consistently good sides like Geelong and Sydney (are special),” Lewis said.
“Over the last decade we’ve had some seriously good battles with – we’ve been on the end of some disappointing losses and some really good wins.
“When I look back on my career at Hawthorn and what we’ve been able to do, it’s probably the rivalries we’ve had with especially Geelong, but also Sydney and the sides that are consistently up the top… Fremantle and those sort of sides.”
Lewis becomes the 13th player to reach the 250-game milestone for Hawthorn, and also the youngest, edging out the player who previously brought up the milestone in the number 3 guernsey, Leigh Matthews.
“When you look at a club that’s been around for over 100 years, it certainly is quite an a achievement to become the 13th player on the all-time games list,” he said.
“I’ve been quite fortunate with injuries, I haven’t had too many injuries – touch wood – that have kept me out of the game for a long period of time.
“You never look that far ahead in AFL football, and probably in everything in life… Being around one football club for at least 12 years, and managing to average about 20 games a season, it’s been quite a consistent sort of journey.
“I never imagined playing 250 games and being involved in so much success.”
While Lewis is quick to acknowledge the Hawks don’t place a huge emphasis on milestones, he would love to be celebrating a team win on Saturday night.
“It is just another game – although it’s a significant milestone – I’d certainly rather the win and celebrate that, than celebrate 250 games by myself,” he said.