
That's what it was last Thursday, with Chris Lewis announcing his retirement. I don't think anything was said here, so it's my turn. While it may seem just to be another Eagle succumbing to injury and the pressure of 14 years travel, to Eagles supporters it's a lot more.
See Lewie was our last inaugural squad member. He is the last of the guys that made our club what it is today, one of the most professional and consistent (overall, not this season
) teams of the league. Those guys trained before the club had a name, headquarters, colours, logo or anything. They put up with the initial abuse of VFL fans not liking the interstate intruders, and were the first team to combat the fortnightly rigour of travelling to Melbourne. They built up what is now a massive supporter base, and brought home footy's holy grail -twice. The blokes of the initial Eagles squad deserve so much credit when it comes to the history of the WCE, afterall they are the equivalent to those Essendon & Collingwood players of the 19th century!
It's just such a pity that we've lost so many before their time.
Now I realise that Lewis will mostly be remembered for his undisciplined behavior (I'm not condoning that), but I hope that's not ALL he's remembered for. He was a terrific player, who could always fire up the Eagles, even when in their Robot phase. It's also well documented the racial abuse he suffered, and as a rolemodel for aboriginal (and nonindigenous) players he's been fantastic, visiting remote communities all over WA, as well as in Perth.
Anyway, this wasn't meant to be a tribute to Lewie, more a comment on the end of an Eagles era, and an avenue for me to air my grief!
Onya Lewie
Thanks for the good times.
See Lewie was our last inaugural squad member. He is the last of the guys that made our club what it is today, one of the most professional and consistent (overall, not this season

It's just such a pity that we've lost so many before their time.
Now I realise that Lewis will mostly be remembered for his undisciplined behavior (I'm not condoning that), but I hope that's not ALL he's remembered for. He was a terrific player, who could always fire up the Eagles, even when in their Robot phase. It's also well documented the racial abuse he suffered, and as a rolemodel for aboriginal (and nonindigenous) players he's been fantastic, visiting remote communities all over WA, as well as in Perth.
Anyway, this wasn't meant to be a tribute to Lewie, more a comment on the end of an Eagles era, and an avenue for me to air my grief!
Onya Lewie
