DENNINGTON premiership coach Darcy Lewis hasn’t had to look far for football inspiration.
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His cousin, Hawthorn midfielder Jordan, holds a rare place in AFL history as a four-time premiership player.
Jordan will celebrate another achievement – 250 games – when he runs out against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday.
“He’s my little cousin but he’s someone I’ve always looked up to,” Darcy said.
“In 2014 he was in the top 10 favourites for the Brownlow Medal – every year he gives you something else to be proud about, that’s for sure.
“It’s so good for all of us to have someone to follow too.
“My kids and all the other cousins always love to see the Hawks on tele. He’s a great role model.”
The Lewis cousins, born three years apart, grew up playing “a lot of back yard footy” in Warrnambool.
“He was a terrible kick of the footy as a kid – he’d put it on the left foot and hope for the best,” Darcy said.
“Now he’s one of the best kicks in the AFL.
“He’s always been a natural sportsman, even with his basketball, but at the same time he’s worked for everything he’s got.
“That’s one of the biggest things I’ve admired about him.”
Jordan, 30, landed at Hawthorn as a top-10 pick via the 2004 national draft.
The Warrnambool export – he played in the Blues’ losing 2004 grand final – quickly settled into life at the elite level.
His attack on the contest and durability – in his 11 complete seasons he has played no fewer than 19 matches – are the 2014 All-Australian onballer’s trademarks.
Darcy said the hit then-Western Bulldog Jarrod Harbrow applied in 2010 highlighted his cousin’s fierce competitiveness.
“He’s always been a hard nut at the footy, right from juniors and through his AFL career, and he’s taken some hits and is such a courageous player,” he said.
Darcy, who was with Jordan the night he was drafted, said the former CBC junior was happy to give back to the south-west.
Jordan coached against AFL great Mick Malthouse in a cancer charity match in Warrnambool last year and is only too willing to give his older cousin, a 200-game Warrnambool and District league key position player, some handy hints.
The Peter Crimmins Medallist spent time at 2015 victor Dennington in the pre-season, no doubt imparting his knowledge on how to avoid a premiership hangover.
“Nearly every finals series he’s sent a couple of video messages to wish the boys all the best,” Darcy said.
“It’s something we’ve included in our finals DVDs, which is really cool.”
