Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions have added another key piece to the puzzle with former Victorian Football League player Mitch Lewis committing to the club on a full time basis.
Lewis played five games for the Lions this year in between VFL commitments and has made the decision to play all his football at the Lions next year.
Lions coach Travis Hodgson said the addition of Lewis was big for the club.
“He was with Port Melbourne last year and due to injury and byes he was able to play a few games with us.
“He’s a big bodied mid and played at the Casey Demons and Port Melbourne, he’s still a lock VFL player so that’s really good for us.
“He’s highly respected, an elite two-way runner and a strong body around the ball. He makes those around him better by bringing them into the game.”
Hodgon said Lewis finished fifth in their best and fairest despite playing only five games and expected him to play a key role in their midfield next year.
Lewis joins Cody Brand, Josiah Garisto and Rivva Karpany as joining the Lions for next season.
Hodgson said they were still waiting on possibly a couple more recruits.
Lewis is also part of the Lions coaching panel, joining as a playing assistant coach.
Meanwhile, the Lions have finalised their coaching panel for the senior men’s football teams for next season.
Hodgson will lead the seniors for a fifth season.
Lewis is one of two playing assistant coaches, along with Tyson Lever. Lever, is the seniors backline coach and will be captain of the senior side next year.
Premiership winning reserves coach Nathan Webb will again coach that side and be the senior forward line coach. Webb will be joined by Leigh Brennan as a co-coach of the reserves.
Jamie Bramble is the under-19s coach, while Matt Power will be head of development.
Paul Sahlberg is the strength and conditioning and fitness coach.
