AFL 2025: Hawthorn will welcome back forward Mitch Lewis from injury this weekend
The Hawthorn spearhead is set to play his first senior game in 378 days this weekend against Port Adelaide in Tasmania.
Lewis was one of the hard luck stories in Hawthorn's dream run to September last year, going down with an ACL in round 17.
The 26-year-old sought overseas advice on his knee and has been made to earn his place in the side through the VFL.
He had kicked two and three goals in his first two matches for Box Hill but banged the selection door down with a haul of five against Essendon last week.
Lewis is a welcome addition to the Hawks' front half after going down to Fremantle last weekend.
The clash against the Power marks the return fixture of the Hawks' worst performance of the year – Gather Round.
The Power piled on 12 of the first 13 goals in that game to hand Hawthorn its first loss of the year.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was unsure if he would readdress the Gather Round loss but confirmed he would reach into his 'kit bag' to keep the top-four hopes alive.
'They've had the wood over us lately, they've won certainly the last three,' Mitchell said.
'We haven't handled a couple of situations well … it's a big end to the season for every club and they're in the way of what we're trying to achieve.
'We'll prepare the players as best we can to get the outcome we want.
'There's a whole range of things in our kit bag that we can use for that – the last couple of times we've played Port is part of that.
'But whether we decide to show too much of that or not is to be determined.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
AFL news: Melbourne Demon Steven May learns his fate for his divisive bump on Carlton forward Francis Evans
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Steven May has learned his fate for his hit on Carlton forward Francis Evans that fiercely divided the AFL fraternity and led to a hugely drawn out deliberation. May's act left 23-year-old Evans bloodied with a broken nose and a displaced tooth, graded by the Match Review Officer as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact. Referred directly to the Tribunal, the AFL was seeking a three-match ban for the incident and after taking well over an hour to make a call, the charge was upheld and that is the suspension he received. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. The Demons entered a not guilty plea to the rough conduct charge and wanted the case thrown out, listing nine reasons for that stance, including May's height, the unexpected bounce of the ball and the fact he didn't jump from the ground. They argued May's contact was not unreasonable as he accelerated towards a footy that was in dispute and the defender believed he would take possession first. Francis Evans was left in a bad way after the Steven May hit. Photos:The AFL argued 33-year-old May had breached his duty of care, however, and they got their way, with May to serve three matches on the sideline. Fox Footy's David Zita, who was at the hearing, reported May telling the Tribunal: 'It was sort of skimming across the surface, so I definitely thought it was my ball, given how the previous couple of bounces went. 'I was surprised Evans got to the ball first and did not try to bump him, maintaining the original line. 'I attempted to slow down, but it was too late. 'I just can't believe I didn't take possession. I thought I did everything right, so I'm just a bit shocked.' May was keen to see a replay. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) Evans at least had a smile on his face in the rooms after Carlton's win. Picture: Michael Klein The Demons were expected to strongly lean on the case of Fremantle captain Alex Pearce, who initially copped a three-game ban for his collision that concussed Port Adelaide's Darcy Byrne-Jones back in May. In that incident, the defender had his suspension overturned in what was widely considered a crucial test case for players contesting the ball in collisions which cause concussion. The verdict means May season is all but over, now missing games against St Kilda, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs, returning for the round 23 clash with the Hawks. There were a huge range of opinions over May's incident, which came in the third quarter of the Blues' eight-point win. Port Adelaide veteran Travis Boak conceded the outcome for his former teammate Evans was a terrible look, but wondered what else May could have done. 'In my view it's a footy act, in terms of he looked like he had a play on the ball,' he said on AFL 360. 'He went for the ball and the last minute his decision is 'oh no, I can't get the ball' and sort of braced and that's where the impact came from. 'I don't think there's much he can do here, he had a play for the ball until the very last second and has to make a split decision almost to protect himself. 'Unfortunately 'Frankie' gets hit in the head and the outcome looks really bad, there's a lot of blood and concussion and we don't want to see that. 'But it's a decision made at the last second so I'm not sure what else he could've done.' Evans is surrounded by teammates after the collision. (Photo by) West Coast premiership player Will Schofield told AFL Tonight: 'Maybe we see a one-week penalty because of the outcome, but I don't think this is an act we need out of the game. 'I thought he did everything right until he didn't and those sorts of accidental outcomes, I don't think we should be penalising.' Pies great Nathan Buckley took a different stance, telling Fox Footy: 'I don't know whether our game is capable of allowing that anymore.' Many fans took the same side as Boak, but there was still a cross section of opinions on social media. One wrote on X: 'Should be nothing, stop encouraging the continued destruction of the game.' Another tweeted: 'That is 1000% a footy action, contesting the football at all times. It's not even a bump.' A third offered: 'There is no duty of care towards the player and May contacts the head.' A fourth wrote: 'S**t that's terrible, should be 5 weeks.' In the lead-up to the hearing, journalist Jon Ralph told Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle his intel regarding Melbourne's likely defence. 'They (the Demons) are convinced that Steven May will get off and they think that the Alex Pearce case is the key,' he said. 'Melbourne believes the fact that it was a marking contest for Alex Pearce, rather than a groundball, actually helps them. Because with Pearce, the ball was in the air, it wasn't moving (bouncing unpredictably) there. Another angle of the May incident. Photo: Fox Sports 'With May, on a slippery night, the ball bounced and bounced, and they felt it was absolutely going to bounce towards May. 'So, in that case, Tribunal chairman Jeff Gleeson, when he dismissed the Pearce case, said 'it has never been the Tribunal's position that a concussion inevitably results in a careless finding'. 'Adrian Anderson, the Melbourne advocate, will go to work on that statement. Pearce's testimony was absolutely compelling, so Steven May … he will tell the truth. '(Melbourne's) position is that it would actually add confusion and indeed chaos if he was actually suspended, because we would be totally confused about where we're at, when we got a bit of clarity with Alex Pearce a few weeks back.' In the end, the AFL got its way and May will be out for three weeks. – with Fox Sports Originally published as AFL star Steven May learns his fate for divisive Carlton act
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Showdowns: Hinkley loves them but won't miss them
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley cherishes Showdowns, but won't miss them. Hinkley will coach against arch rival Adelaide for the 25th and final time on Saturday night. "As much as everyone says that they're good for the state, they're not so good for the coaches or the players," he told reporters on Wednesday. "There's a bit of heat on. "... When you lose in this town in a Showdown - a little bit different. You drive in dark at night, you don't go out in daylight when you lose." The Crows edge Port 29-28 overall and Hinkley, who will hand over to assistant Josh Carr at season's end, has won 11 and lost 13. Hinkley acknowledged his injury-ravaged Power would be rank underdogs against the Crows, sitting third and heading to the finals for the first time since 2017. "Without pumping them up too much, that's not something Port tend to do, they're the form team of the competition," Hinkley said. And he had nothing but admiration for Matthew Nicks, a former assistant at Port now in his sixth season as Crows coach. "He has done nothing but support me in his time with us, he went on and created his own career with some courage," Hinkley said, flanked by Nicks at a joint media conference at Adelaide Oval. "I have just admired the way that he's had to be as resilient as he has been. "Matthew should be so proud of what he has done, to be as strong and as gutsy as he has been, I reckon, over the last few years. "It will hurt me to say: I'm glad to see him doing well." Nicks said it would be strange when Hinkley isn't involved in a Showdown next year. "It will be ... it's an unsual feeling sitting here knowing that your opposition coach won't be there next year," Nicks said. "I learnt so much from him in the period of time I worked underneath him and it will be sad to see him go." The Crows are seeking five consecutive wins for the first time under Nicks, who dismissed growing attention on his team as a premiership contender. "It's not even something that has crossed our mind," he said. "The reality is, it's there and it's noise. "But we're just locked in, we're looking at Ken and his group, trying to work through how do we continue the form we're in. "It's not easy to keep momentum and have that belief that we have at this point in time. We know how quickly that can change." Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley cherishes Showdowns, but won't miss them. Hinkley will coach against arch rival Adelaide for the 25th and final time on Saturday night. "As much as everyone says that they're good for the state, they're not so good for the coaches or the players," he told reporters on Wednesday. "There's a bit of heat on. "... When you lose in this town in a Showdown - a little bit different. You drive in dark at night, you don't go out in daylight when you lose." The Crows edge Port 29-28 overall and Hinkley, who will hand over to assistant Josh Carr at season's end, has won 11 and lost 13. Hinkley acknowledged his injury-ravaged Power would be rank underdogs against the Crows, sitting third and heading to the finals for the first time since 2017. "Without pumping them up too much, that's not something Port tend to do, they're the form team of the competition," Hinkley said. And he had nothing but admiration for Matthew Nicks, a former assistant at Port now in his sixth season as Crows coach. "He has done nothing but support me in his time with us, he went on and created his own career with some courage," Hinkley said, flanked by Nicks at a joint media conference at Adelaide Oval. "I have just admired the way that he's had to be as resilient as he has been. "Matthew should be so proud of what he has done, to be as strong and as gutsy as he has been, I reckon, over the last few years. "It will hurt me to say: I'm glad to see him doing well." Nicks said it would be strange when Hinkley isn't involved in a Showdown next year. "It will be ... it's an unsual feeling sitting here knowing that your opposition coach won't be there next year," Nicks said. "I learnt so much from him in the period of time I worked underneath him and it will be sad to see him go." The Crows are seeking five consecutive wins for the first time under Nicks, who dismissed growing attention on his team as a premiership contender. "It's not even something that has crossed our mind," he said. "The reality is, it's there and it's noise. "But we're just locked in, we're looking at Ken and his group, trying to work through how do we continue the form we're in. "It's not easy to keep momentum and have that belief that we have at this point in time. We know how quickly that can change." Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley cherishes Showdowns, but won't miss them. Hinkley will coach against arch rival Adelaide for the 25th and final time on Saturday night. "As much as everyone says that they're good for the state, they're not so good for the coaches or the players," he told reporters on Wednesday. "There's a bit of heat on. "... When you lose in this town in a Showdown - a little bit different. You drive in dark at night, you don't go out in daylight when you lose." The Crows edge Port 29-28 overall and Hinkley, who will hand over to assistant Josh Carr at season's end, has won 11 and lost 13. Hinkley acknowledged his injury-ravaged Power would be rank underdogs against the Crows, sitting third and heading to the finals for the first time since 2017. "Without pumping them up too much, that's not something Port tend to do, they're the form team of the competition," Hinkley said. And he had nothing but admiration for Matthew Nicks, a former assistant at Port now in his sixth season as Crows coach. "He has done nothing but support me in his time with us, he went on and created his own career with some courage," Hinkley said, flanked by Nicks at a joint media conference at Adelaide Oval. "I have just admired the way that he's had to be as resilient as he has been. "Matthew should be so proud of what he has done, to be as strong and as gutsy as he has been, I reckon, over the last few years. "It will hurt me to say: I'm glad to see him doing well." Nicks said it would be strange when Hinkley isn't involved in a Showdown next year. "It will be ... it's an unsual feeling sitting here knowing that your opposition coach won't be there next year," Nicks said. "I learnt so much from him in the period of time I worked underneath him and it will be sad to see him go." The Crows are seeking five consecutive wins for the first time under Nicks, who dismissed growing attention on his team as a premiership contender. "It's not even something that has crossed our mind," he said. "The reality is, it's there and it's noise. "But we're just locked in, we're looking at Ken and his group, trying to work through how do we continue the form we're in. "It's not easy to keep momentum and have that belief that we have at this point in time. We know how quickly that can change."
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Hawks 'villains' out to spoil Blues' Docherty farewell
Hawthorn have accepted the role of "villains" as they set out to boost their AFL finals hopes in Carlton hero Sam Docherty's farewell match. Fresh off a win over Port Adelaide, the fifth-placed Hawks (12-6) enter Thursday night's MCG contest as warm favourites intent on locking in a top-eight spot. But the embattled Blues (7-11, 12th) eased pressure on coach Michael Voss with a much-needed win over Melbourne last round and have plenty to play for despite their lowly ladder position. Docherty, who has twice beaten testicular cancer, will play his 184th and final match in a celebrated career that has included three knee reconstructions, a best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. Carlton will be desperate to send him off in the right manner and also give vice-captain Jacob Weitering something to celebrate in his 200th game. "We've been dealt the cards of the villain for this one," Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said. "The thing about Sam is it's beyond sport. He's got the three knee reconstructions and coming back from that and still being an All-Australian type player. "But then obviously his cancer treatments and coming back from that means it transcends sport. It's such an inspirational person that he's been. "We'll certainly be trying to ruin his party, but after that I certainly think he's one of the players of this season that needs to be celebrated." Hawthorn have beaten Carlton in their last two meetings, but Mitchell is wary, noting the Blues are the highest-scoring team in first quarters this season. "You can see that they're more than capable and they're going to be playing for a bit with Docherty and a 200th game as well," Mitchell said. "They're going to have a fair bit on, so you'd expect them to come out with a lot of energy and vibrancy." Hawthorn sit two games clear of ninth but face a tough run home, against finals-bound Adelaide, Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions in the last month of the home-and-away campaign. "Every game is as good as a final," Mitchell said. "We understand where we sit and we need to make sure we're very focused on getting the best outcome we can." The Hawks will be bolstered by the return of young gun Will Day from a foot injury when they play their first game at the MCG since May. Mitch Lewis has recovered well after his comeback match last week and will back up, but teammate Finn Maginness has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a lacerated kidney. Carlton key forward Harry McKay returns for his first game since round 11 after recovering from minor knee surgery, while Blake Acres has been recalled. Francis Evans and Flynn Young are both out injured. Hawthorn have accepted the role of "villains" as they set out to boost their AFL finals hopes in Carlton hero Sam Docherty's farewell match. Fresh off a win over Port Adelaide, the fifth-placed Hawks (12-6) enter Thursday night's MCG contest as warm favourites intent on locking in a top-eight spot. But the embattled Blues (7-11, 12th) eased pressure on coach Michael Voss with a much-needed win over Melbourne last round and have plenty to play for despite their lowly ladder position. Docherty, who has twice beaten testicular cancer, will play his 184th and final match in a celebrated career that has included three knee reconstructions, a best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. Carlton will be desperate to send him off in the right manner and also give vice-captain Jacob Weitering something to celebrate in his 200th game. "We've been dealt the cards of the villain for this one," Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said. "The thing about Sam is it's beyond sport. He's got the three knee reconstructions and coming back from that and still being an All-Australian type player. "But then obviously his cancer treatments and coming back from that means it transcends sport. It's such an inspirational person that he's been. "We'll certainly be trying to ruin his party, but after that I certainly think he's one of the players of this season that needs to be celebrated." Hawthorn have beaten Carlton in their last two meetings, but Mitchell is wary, noting the Blues are the highest-scoring team in first quarters this season. "You can see that they're more than capable and they're going to be playing for a bit with Docherty and a 200th game as well," Mitchell said. "They're going to have a fair bit on, so you'd expect them to come out with a lot of energy and vibrancy." Hawthorn sit two games clear of ninth but face a tough run home, against finals-bound Adelaide, Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions in the last month of the home-and-away campaign. "Every game is as good as a final," Mitchell said. "We understand where we sit and we need to make sure we're very focused on getting the best outcome we can." The Hawks will be bolstered by the return of young gun Will Day from a foot injury when they play their first game at the MCG since May. Mitch Lewis has recovered well after his comeback match last week and will back up, but teammate Finn Maginness has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a lacerated kidney. Carlton key forward Harry McKay returns for his first game since round 11 after recovering from minor knee surgery, while Blake Acres has been recalled. Francis Evans and Flynn Young are both out injured. Hawthorn have accepted the role of "villains" as they set out to boost their AFL finals hopes in Carlton hero Sam Docherty's farewell match. Fresh off a win over Port Adelaide, the fifth-placed Hawks (12-6) enter Thursday night's MCG contest as warm favourites intent on locking in a top-eight spot. But the embattled Blues (7-11, 12th) eased pressure on coach Michael Voss with a much-needed win over Melbourne last round and have plenty to play for despite their lowly ladder position. Docherty, who has twice beaten testicular cancer, will play his 184th and final match in a celebrated career that has included three knee reconstructions, a best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. Carlton will be desperate to send him off in the right manner and also give vice-captain Jacob Weitering something to celebrate in his 200th game. "We've been dealt the cards of the villain for this one," Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said. "The thing about Sam is it's beyond sport. He's got the three knee reconstructions and coming back from that and still being an All-Australian type player. "But then obviously his cancer treatments and coming back from that means it transcends sport. It's such an inspirational person that he's been. "We'll certainly be trying to ruin his party, but after that I certainly think he's one of the players of this season that needs to be celebrated." Hawthorn have beaten Carlton in their last two meetings, but Mitchell is wary, noting the Blues are the highest-scoring team in first quarters this season. "You can see that they're more than capable and they're going to be playing for a bit with Docherty and a 200th game as well," Mitchell said. "They're going to have a fair bit on, so you'd expect them to come out with a lot of energy and vibrancy." Hawthorn sit two games clear of ninth but face a tough run home, against finals-bound Adelaide, Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions in the last month of the home-and-away campaign. "Every game is as good as a final," Mitchell said. "We understand where we sit and we need to make sure we're very focused on getting the best outcome we can." The Hawks will be bolstered by the return of young gun Will Day from a foot injury when they play their first game at the MCG since May. Mitch Lewis has recovered well after his comeback match last week and will back up, but teammate Finn Maginness has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a lacerated kidney. Carlton key forward Harry McKay returns for his first game since round 11 after recovering from minor knee surgery, while Blake Acres has been recalled. Francis Evans and Flynn Young are both out injured.
