Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton can see the irony in Mitch Lewis putting together his two best games under the guidance of Sam Mitchell.
The 23-year-old has kicked eight goals and taken 16 marks, including 10 inside 50, in Hawthorn’s two victories to date.
They have arguably been the most outstanding performances of his 38-game career to date.
Lewis showed glimpses of his talent under Alastair Clarkson, but never really cemented his spot under the champion coach, who would often set up with a more defensive and cautious approach.
While it worked a treat during their successful era of three flags (2013-2015), it didn’t quite equate in the final few years under Clarkson, especially for the club’s forwards who Brereton suggests have stagnated in recent years.
The former star centre half-forward explained why he believes that to be the case.
“It is indisputable that Alastair Clarkson is one of the all-time great coaches,” Brereton said on SEN’s The Run Home.
“But I would say since Hawthorn weren’t the best team from 2016 and on, I can’t think of one Hawthorn forward who has improved.
“You’ve got some good players, but they haven’t improved and the kids coming on haven’t grabbed it by the throat.
“The reason for that with Alastair being one of the all-time great coaches and everyone at Hawthorn thanks him for his input - he’s been awesome for us - he basically coaches to thwart the opposition.
“His main go in offence was to kick the ball beautifully. He formed and stabilised a group that was the best kicking team I’ve ever seen.
“They won three in a row out of that style of football and they were awesome at it and he coached it awesomely.
“But when they’re no longer that great kicking team and they have that accent on defensive football, and he coaches it very well, I’d hate to play in front of that midfield and that negating strategy.”
Brereton believes the fact the shackles have somewhat been broken by Mitchell’s game style has allowed Lewis to take the first steps to flourishing at the elite level.
“You see someone like Mitch Lewis come along and he’s always had talent in the few seasons he’s had,” he added.
“He’s showed glimpses but could never nail it down because of the style and the way the ball came forward.
“There’s going to be times when the Hawks get pasted up and hurt on rebound at some stage. They’re going to be beaten occasionally and cop their whack at some stage.
“But I think it’s ironic Mitch Lewis has played his two best games for the club in five seasons under one coach.”
Mitchell, Lewis and the 2-0 Hawks will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season when they clash with fellow undefeated side Carlton at the MCG on Sunday.
Lewis’ eight majors have him sitting equal second on the Coleman Medal standings alongside North Melbourne’s Nick Larkey and one behind Sydney’s Isaac Heeney.