JORDAN Lewis believes forgotten Hawthorn midfielder Xavier Ellis could play a key role in the Hawks’ season after making a successful return for the Hawks on Sunday.
His latest setback in a long list of niggles was a knee injury that kept him sidelined for two months.
But, after playing two solid matches for the Club’s VFL affiliate, Box Hill, Ellis found himself back in the Hawthorn line-up after Liam Shiels was hit with a one-match ban.
Ellis was one of the Hawks’ best in a blistering eight-goal second quarter that set up the win over the Power on Sunday.
He finished the match with 17 disposals, five marks and two goals to be a valuable contributor for the Hawks.
Lewis says it was good to have his premiership teammate back out there.
“It’s great to see him out there,” Lewis said.
“He’s had a tough year, but I think he’s coming towards the end of this season fully fit and ready to go.”
A key member of the Hawks’ 2008 premiership side, the former number three draft pick adds another string to the already talented Hawthorn bow.
Lewis says that part of his teammate’s strengths is his ability to play in a variety of different roles.
“The energy that he brings to the side and the flexibility [as well],” Lewis said.
“He can play midfield, he can play forward and kick goals like he did yesterday.
“He’s had a tough year, but I think he’s coming towards the end of this season fully fit and ready to go.”
Despite flagging a role for Ellis at the pointy end of the season, Lewis says the Hawks aren’t looking too far ahead.
Instead, the Hawks are focusing on their next opponents, Gold Coast.
“As boring and mundane as it is, we just look towards Gold Coast and hopefully get that win,” Lewis said.
“Then we move onto Sydney and have a couple of good games heading into finals.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
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