BREAKING NEWS: Brisbane Lions Land Mitch Lewis in Blockbuster Trade

In what has been described as one of the most sensational trades of the AFL off-season, the Brisbane Lions have officially secured the services of star forward Mitch Lewis from the Hawthorn Hawks. After weeks of intense speculation and swirling trade rumours, AFL Trade Rumours (ATR) can exclusively confirm that Lewis will now don the Lions’ colors, marking a pivotal moment in both Brisbane’s and Hawthorn’s future as they look ahead to the 2025 season.

The acquisition of Lewis comes as a strategic move for the Lions, who have been actively seeking a replacement for retiring forward Joe Daniher. Daniher, an Essendon legend and Brisbane’s towering figure in the forward line, announced his decision to hang up his boots at the end of the 2024 season, leaving the Lions with a critical gap in their attacking power. With Daniher’s departure, the need for a dominant key forward became apparent, and it seems that the Lions have found their man in Mitch Lewis.

The Trade That Got the Deal Done

ATR understands that negotiations between Brisbane and Hawthorn were complex and highly competitive. Lewis, who has been a standout performer for Hawthorn in recent years, was initially seen as an untouchable player for the Hawks. However, Brisbane’s offer of two first-round picks—one in 2024 and another in 2025—was enough to sway Hawthorn into letting go of their prized forward. The Hawks, recognizing the need to rebuild their squad for long-term success, agreed to the trade after weeks of deliberation and back-and-forth discussions.

For Brisbane, this trade represents a significant investment in their future. The Lions are gearing up for what they hope will be another strong run at the premiership, having come tantalizingly close in recent years. Securing a player of Lewis’s caliber ensures they maintain their competitive edge and continue to challenge the top teams in the league.

According to sources close to the deal, Hawthorn initially played hardball during the trade discussions, demanding multiple first-round picks in exchange for Lewis. The Hawks were fully aware of the value Lewis brings to their side and were reluctant to let him go without substantial compensation. Brisbane, however, remained determined to land their target, and the Lions’ willingness to part with premium draft assets ultimately clinched the deal.

Mitch Lewis: The Perfect Fit for Brisbane

Mitch Lewis is set to bring a dynamic presence to Brisbane’s forward line. At 199 cm, he not only matches but surpasses Daniher in height, making him one of the tallest players on the Lions’ list. Known for his strong marking ability, powerful kicking, and agility for a player of his size, Lewis has all the attributes needed to become a focal point in Brisbane’s attack.

Lewis has steadily grown into a crucial player for the Hawks, having led the team’s goal-kicking in multiple seasons. His ability to take contested marks and his strong presence in the forward 50 have made him a reliable target for Hawthorn’s midfielders, and now, Brisbane will be counting on him to replicate that form at the Gabba.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has long admired Lewis’s style of play, and it is believed that Fagan was a driving force behind the Lions’ pursuit of the key forward. Speaking on the acquisition, Fagan expressed his excitement about working with Lewis:

“Mitch is a fantastic talent. He’s exactly the type of player we’ve been looking for, and we believe he’ll slot into our forward structure beautifully. With his height, marking ability, and goal sense, he’s going to cause all sorts of problems for opposition defenders.”

For Brisbane, the addition of Lewis also helps ease the pressure on their existing forwards. With Lewis set to take on the role of the team’s primary target in the forward 50, players like Eric Hipwood and Charlie Cameron will have more freedom to play their natural games, knowing that Lewis will command the opposition’s attention.

Hawthorn’s Perspective: Rebuilding for the Future

While the loss of Mitch Lewis will undoubtedly leave a void in Hawthorn’s forward line, the Hawks have accepted that this move aligns with their long-term strategy of building for the future. Hawthorn has been in a rebuilding phase in recent seasons, and the club’s decision to part with Lewis signals a continued commitment to replenishing their squad with young talent.

Hawthorn’s head coach, Sam Mitchell, acknowledged the difficulty of letting go of a player like Lewis but emphasized the importance of planning for the next generation of Hawks players.

“We’re disappointed to lose Mitch, no doubt about that. He’s been a fantastic player for us, and we’ve seen him develop into one of the best forwards in the competition. But at the end of the day, we have to make decisions that are in the best interests of our club’s future. The draft picks we’ve secured through this trade will help us bring in some top-quality young talent and continue building towards sustained success,” Mitchell said.

The two first-round picks Hawthorn will receive as part of the deal put them in an advantageous position ahead of the upcoming AFL draft. With these selections, the Hawks have the potential to land elite young players who can contribute to the club’s future success.

Lions Fans React: Excitement in the Air

For Brisbane Lions fans, the news of Mitch Lewis’s signing has been met with widespread excitement and anticipation. Social media has been abuzz with reactions from supporters, many of whom see this as the final piece of the puzzle in Brisbane’s quest for a premiership.

“Absolutely stoked to have Mitch Lewis join the Lions! He’s a gun, and I can’t wait to see him dominating in the forward line. With him, Hipwood, and Charlie Cameron, we’ve got one of the best attacks in the league!” one fan tweeted.

Another fan commented, “Brisbane just pulled off the trade of the year! Mitch Lewis is a game-changer, and I reckon he’s going to take us all the way to the Grand Final.”

The excitement surrounding Lewis’s arrival at the Gabba is palpable, and there is a sense of optimism that this move could be the catalyst for Brisbane to finally break their premiership drought.

What’s Next for Mitch Lewis and the Lions?

With the trade now complete, all eyes will turn to Mitch Lewis as he begins his journey with the Brisbane Lions. Pre-season preparations will soon get underway, and Lewis will have the opportunity to gel with his new teammates as the Lions build towards the 2025 AFL season.

Brisbane’s forward line, which has been a strength of the team in recent years, looks set to become even more formidable with the addition of Lewis. If he can continue the form he showed at Hawthorn, there’s no doubt that the Lions will be a force to be reckoned with.

As for the Hawks, they will now turn their attention to the AFL draft, where they will look to secure the next generation of talent to lead them into the future. While Lewis’s departure is a significant loss, Hawthorn’s ability to extract two first-round picks from the deal gives them plenty of room to maneuver as they rebuild their squad.

One thing is for certain—this trade will be one of the defining moments of the AFL off-season, and Mitch Lewis’s move to Brisbane is sure to have a lasting impact on both clubs for years to come.