Edwards was solid in his return from an eight-week quad strain as the Dogs ground out a 4.11 (35) to 2.10 (22) win over Panmure on Saturday.

Lewis said the creative Edwards was an important player for the defending premiers, who sit second with three rounds to play.

“He was super. He played in a forward pocket,” he said.

“He’ll build up fitness over the next few weeks and come finals he’ll be in the middle.”

Lewis said Dennington’s talls were crucial against Panmure despite the wet and windy conditions.

He said Justin Wallace, Jordan Scott and Billy Keane belied their height to be “good at ground level”.

Lewis is on the cusp of a return from an ankle sprain after three weeks on the sidelines and could line up against a plucky Timboon Demons on Saturday.

“I was back running last week and will test it on Tuesday night with footy boots on and twist and turn,” he said.

The key forward is wary of the out-of-finals-contention Demons, who all but ended Allansford’s top-five dream on Saturday with an upset win.

“I always knew they would come good towards the end of the season,” Lewis said.

“Mick Hunt is a brilliant leader.

“They had a bit of work to do but you could see from the way he had the boys playing early in the year that they’d be a worry late.

“We won’t be taking them lightly.”