Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
Why Lewis is keeping his fingers crossed for 2026
Nicholas Quinlan • January 3rd, 2026 7:00 pm
Hawthorn’s Mitch Lewis has opened up on what his role for the Hawks could look like in 2026, having completed a full training load during the pre-season.
That achievement has been extra special for the 27-year-old, considering the injury issues he has had over the last two seasons.
The key forward only managed 12 games after having injuries to his hamstring at the start of the 2024 season before tearing his right ACL in his return game in Round 17 of the same year.
But having been able to train without interruption since Hawthorn’s season finished for the first time in a couple of years, the 78-game player is hoping that his good luck continues into 2026.
“It’s going to be a game-changer,” Lewis said on SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“I don’t want to speak too soon and speak in cliches, but I feel like I’m in a really good spot.
“It’s the first time that I’ve completed a full pre-season for two/three years. I didn’t miss a training session before Christmas, and the plan will be the same when we come back next week.
“So yeah, fit and firing and fingers crossed for a full season.”
Across the last two seasons, the Hawks have now bolstered their key forward stocks since Lewis’ initial injury.
In the 2023 Trade Period, they brought in Mabior Chol from the Suns and Jack Gunston after a season away with the Lions, alongside drafting father-son pick Calsher Dear in the same year.
As a result, this has seen Hawthorn boast one of the best tall forward packs in the competition.
Looking to the season ahead, Lewis is hopeful of getting a spot in the team to be a connecting piece between the wings and the full forwards.
“When I first got injured a couple of years ago, we had no tall forwards,” he continued.
“And now, we’ve got an abundance of them. It will be interesting (to see) what the coaches will do with the extra on the bench as well.
“Whether that’s another key position player or a different sort of player, but I see myself as that traditional centre half forward that can get up the ground and link up between the wings and the full forwards.
“Jack Gunston had an amazing year playing more of that deeper role. So, if I can link up with him and try and feed him the ball, then I think we’ll have a great season as a team.”
Hawthorn begins their season with an elimination final rematch against the Giants in ENGIE Stadium as part of the Opening Round matches.
That will be played on March 7.
