Past legends thread #2: Chris Lewis

[materamagic]

Early shades of brilliance marred by unfortunate injurys is how you can sum up the career of Chris Lewis.

Around 1990 he was regarded as the Eagles best to date and won the best and fairest and berth as an All Australian on-baller. He had silky skills and it is fair to say that his potential around the premiership years was restricted by the eagles class midfield of the day but Lewie became good for a couple of goals here and there.

When Lewie made his comeback a few years ago I thought he was in for a resurgance but a knee injury caught up with him and I followed him in Claremont where he finished his career in 2002 on the ball, appropriately.

One of my favourite eagles and a real character and good bloke. Good asset still for the club, scouting young talent in Darwin

 

[jod23]

My all time favourite Eagle. I absolutely loved Chris Lewis and was devastated when he retired. He had unrivalled skills that make Wirra look like a hack. Lewis in his prime was something else. I believe he is second all time on our goal kickers list? I know Fido is close now though and he played over 200 games for the club which puts him in a very select group.

Champion gets bandied around too much nowadays for my liking, but there is no doubt that Chris Lewis was a champion!

 

[carlyp]

I have my own 'Lewie' Story. Having been in WA to visit my very ill grandfather we had come back to Perth and decided to go and watch the Eagles train. It was 1994, July IIRC and I was one happy camper. I ran around Leederville Oval for ages, getting players signatures and watching the boys train hard as they launced their assault on the 1994 premiership. It came time to go and Im walking out to the car and there is Chris Lewis. I ran up to him and as the stroy goes:

Carlyp: Lewie! Lewie, can you sign this for me?
Chris Lewis: Ofcourse tiger! Whats ya name mate?
Carlyp: Carly

He then proceeds to wrote in my autograph book, "Keep Smiling Carly, from Chris Lewis"

I have never been more in awe of anyone and I was flabbergasted that he was such a nice bloke.

To me that is what Chris Lewis is all about, he was never too good for people and he was always a bit of a larakin.
He was also a brilliant footballer who could pin point a pass OR mark a ball no matter what was happening. His skills at the time were brilliant. I'll never forget him going up and getting his premiership medal in 1994 and thinking....YAY LEWIE!

 

[Altum Volantes]

I can't let the Chris Lewis thread sink away with 2 replies.

Lewis at his best was a player that I would rate only behind Peter Matera in pure skill, even then, its a close call.

In full flight, awesome.

But, like most of the greats, he was flawed.

Numerous undisciplined actions on the field let Lewie down - and while this is a thread to celebrate our favourite Chris Lewis memories, unfornately, this part of Chris is something that comes to mind very quickly.

I always thought, what if that wasn't part of Lewis? - but then again, his aggression for the ball was awesome too, so I guess it's catch 22.

Still, abosolute star in his day, people compare young Ash Sampi to Lewie, but Samps has got a bit to go just yet !

 

[jod23]

Again, this thread highlights the fact that Chris Lewis is bizzarely overlooked by even WC supporters, nevermind other teams supporters.

It's disappointing considering he is easily one of our greatest ever players and in however long when we make one of those teams of the century or something, I cant see Lewis not making it on a HFF.

 

[Goldenblue]

Originally posted by jod23
Again, this thread highlights the fact that Chris Lewis is bizzarely overlooked by even WC supporters, nevermind other teams supporters.

It's disappointing considering he is easily one of our greatest ever players and in however long when we make one of those teams of the century or something, I cant see Lewis not making it on a HFF.

Agreed.

The indescretions that Lewis was involved in over the years will not help this, but to watch the boy play was a delight. I may be biased, but I do believe he was a target of a hate campaign, especially from the Melbourne football club. The Viney incident, along with the melbourne media were pathetic in their attempts to damage Lewie's career.

To me, Lewie will always be in my team of champions for the Eagles.

 

[eaglechicka]

Chris Lewis was an absolute Gem! Not only a great player but a nice guy! GO LEWIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Streaker]

Chris Lewis

Height: 183cm
Weight: 80kg
First Senior Game: 1986
Born: 17/03/1969 at Osborne Park
School Attended: Mirrabooka Senior High & Christ Church Grammar
Favourite Group: The Doors
Most Admired Footballer: Stephen Michael