JORDAN Lewis says his relationship with list manager Todd Viney played a big part in his decision to join Melbourne.
Speaking at AAMI Park on Tuesday afternoon, after he was claimed by Melbourne via the trade period earlier that day, the four-time premiership said he was excited by his new opportunity.
“It’s a new challenge and it’s been a funny few weeks,” he said.
“In my mind, I was here two weeks ago … I’m really excited about it,” he said.
“My manager, Melbourne and Hawthorn dealt with a lot of it behind closed doors.”
Lewis said he didn’t think his performances were slowing down and had a different opinion to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, hence why it was a difficult conversation to have about his future.
“Hawthorn will always be in my heart … but it ends one chapter and opens another. Speaking to the older guys at the club – that’s how contracts have gone in the past. I wasn’t insulted,” he said.
“Clarko and I had a conversation … nothing could be guaranteed past next year. I personally think I can play for longer.
“Clarko and I are as good a friends now [as we've ever been] … he makes the tough calls and it’s not an easy position to be in."
Lewis said he went through a lot of emotions and conceded it was an uneasy step to switch clubs after such a decorated career with the Hawks.
During the media conference, Lewis also said:
- He thought he was a chance to become captain at Hawthorn, but added that six players could’ve held that position at the Hawks
- He didn’t consider playing for Melbourne until two weeks ago
- He hadn’t spoken to Hawthorn about how the club would fit in Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara for 2017
- He said he didn’t want to come to a new club for just one year
- The Gold Coast Suns were never an option for him
Lewis said he could understand why Hawthorn fans were miffed at him and Sam Mitchell being traded out for minimal in return.
“It wasn’t for salary cap reasons and I wasn’t asked to take a pay cut,” he said.
“I’m basically the new kid here and there are no brownie points.”
Lewis said with Sam Mitchell leaving for West Coast, he didn’t feel he needed to stay at Hawthorn. He added that he was a realist and couldn’t come into a new club and become captain.
“It’s about just coming in … it’s an exciting club," he said.
Lewis said he didn’t want to put expectations on Melbourne.
