Leaping Lewis reaches triple figures

By ZAC MILBANK

It’s not often Lewis Hender doesn’t appear on the weekly SANFL highlight reels.

But as North Adelaide’s mercurial forward approaches his 100th Statewide Super League game on Saturday, he says a more mature approach has led to him finding the consistency he has craved since making his debut with Glenelg in Round 8 of 2011.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the Roosters premiership star reflected on his journey all the way from the south-east country town of Keith, where he was spotted by the Tigers’ talent scouts.

The 26-year-old played 37 games and kicked 39 goals for the Bays in five seasons before landing at Prospect for the start of the 2016 season.

Since then, Hender has blossomed under North coach Josh Carr, booting a total of 114 goals in 62 appearances including 42 in last year’s premiership season.

The qualified accountant booted two goals in North’s memorable Grand Final win against Norwood but he says he would trade all of his goals in to ensure he retains the premiership medallion he earned at the Adelaide Oval.

Known for his lethal left-foot kick and high-flying marks, Hender made his West End State team debut in the Croweaters’ win against the WAFL in Perth this year.