Adelaide SANFL forward Jack Lewis has no issue describing himself as a “footy nuffy”.
The forward has booted eight goals across four League matches in 2022 and has helped the Crows to a 5-1 win/loss record so far.
But the 22-year-old hasn’t always featured in the forward 50 - instead he played most of his footy growing up in the backline.
“I was a defender growing up, mainly starting from under-18s,” Lewis said.
“I played probably three or four years as a defender and last year was when I made the move forward down at the local level and carried that through this year.
“It just feels a lot more comfortable and it makes it a lot easier when you’ve got guys in the forward line like Wrighty and Fog around you.
“They’ve got so much knowledge and it makes it so much easier as a player to play good footy.”
Speaking to AFC Media, Lewis said making the switch has enabled him to take his game to new heights.
“It’s good having both sides of defence and forward to your game because if I need to swing back I can, if I need to go forward, I can go forward,” Lewis said.
“We talk a lot about trying to get forward-half turnovers and that’s on the back of having a lot of good forward pressure and I guess that’s an origin from having that defensive mindset.”
Lewis’ SANFL career with Adelaide didn’t get off to the strongest start.
He joined the Club in 2020 and the Crows did not line up in the competition that season due to Covid.
He went back and played nine Adelaide Footy League matches with Unley Jets before rejoining the Crows for the 2021 SANFL campaign.
Lewis, who works as a concreter and landscaper, said he was enjoying the season so far and was keen to continue playing his role for the team..
“I’m just a footy nuffy, so I just like to get out there and play,” Lewis said.
“Coming into this year, I never would have thought I’d have played four out of the six games and put myself on the scoreboard.
“It’s good to make the most of my opportunities but also grateful that I’m getting these opportunities as well.
“I have a great connection with all the forwards.”
Adelaide’s SANFL side has a bye this weekend and Lewis will line up with Blackwood in the Hills Football League.
The Crows will then take on Woodville-West Torrens on Friday, May 20, wearing their Indigenous guernseys to mirror the AFL side in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Lewis said the Crows’ three teams, one club mantra was also a big reason behind the SANFL side’s strong form.
“Being able to use the facilities is great and we are so lucky to be able to use them,” Lewis said.
“It’s a huge honour to play alongside some great Indigenous players and just to be part of the one club is something special.
“All of us SANFL development guys are really lucky to be part of it.”
