2014 my best so far: Lewis
HAWTHORN vice-captain Jordan Lewis says he's proud of his form this year, declaring 2014 his most consistent season yet.
The dual premiership player is the Hawks' number one clearance player this season and is averaging a club-high 26 disposals per game, equaling his best output in 2009.
At age 28, Lewis is in career-best form.
"I would say it's my most consistent season definitely," Lewis told AFL.com.au.
"It's always nice to play some good football and try and contribute in a way that you can, but to string games together and perform and really help the team on a consistent basis has really been something I've been proud of this year."
The Hawks' injury woes have been well documented this season.
The absence of key players in the midfield has given Lewis more time in the middle of the ground, which could account for his increase in clearance numbers and a decrease in goals kicked across half-forward.
When it comes to producing his best form this year, Lewis isn't sure what the secret is.
"I haven't really done anything differently," he said.
"I think having been in the game for so long you know what's required. We've got a variety of players that play in a number of positions and I suppose that's the strength of our side.
"Maybe over the last couple of weeks I've had to play a little bit more midfield because of the injuries we've had and that exposes you a little bit more."
Just as the Hawks regained star midfielder Sam Mitchell last week from a hamstring tendon injury, they lost Brad Sewell for the second time this year.
Lewis said it was up to him and the other midfielders to stand up in Sewell's absence and continue to battle hard in the lead up to finals.
"I think there's a variety of players that will share that load and I would be one of them, Mitch (Mitchell) would be one of them and so would a lot of other guys.
"When a player goes out we require a lot of us to step up and fill that void not just one player."