NOTHING will likely be confirmed until closer to the start of next season, but if there is a change of captaincy at Hawthorn, then Jordan Lewis is ready.
Luke Hodge's five-year reign as Hawks skipper might be coming to an end with coach Alastair Clarkson mulling a change as the club pushes for its fourth straight flag, and Lewis, joint vice-captain with Jarryd Roughead, believes he can do the job.
Speaking at Waverley Park on Wednesday, Lewis did not campaign for the job, but did admit he was ready if asked.
"It would sit comfortably with me, there's no doubt about that. I've been around for 12 years now and I'm experienced. I think with the group we've got, it's not a major jump, not like at some clubs because we have a disciplined group and it's quite an easy side to lead, to be honest," he said.
"I've been in that position. 'Hodgey' has missed games through injury and either Roughy or I have stepped up to lead, so it's not that big of a deal internally compared to externally. But it would be a proud achievement."
Lewis qualified it all by indicating it will be Hodge's call and that the club was blessed with an abundance of players who could be the next captain.
"In a funny sort of way, Roughy and I lead anyway. There's the title of captain that Hodgey takes but we have a strong leadership group at this club and we take great comfort in that Hodgey has been a great leader for a considerable period of time, so why tip him out when he's at the top of his game?" he said.
The full Hawthorn squad has been back in full training for a week and heads to the Sunshine Coast on Friday for a 10-day training camp where preparations for the 'four-peat' will ramp up considerably.
Lewis backed up remarks from Cyril Rioli last week that the Hawks still draw on the heartbreak of season-ending defeats in 2011 and 2012 as they embark on another pre-season. He said a motivating factor remains to earn a reward for the hard work they are now undertaking.
"Once you experience success you know what it feels like but we've also had some heartbreak and we understand what that feels like as well. Every side works hard so you might as well get some reward from your work. That's what we're here to do.
"We've got to keep improving because there's obviously some clubs that will improve next year and challenge us, but we have proved time and time again that we enjoy certain challenges through the season."
Early signs are that the Hawks are highly motivated once again.
"We haven’t lost too many players. We're still fit and able, so while we're fit and able we'll try to challenge," he said.
The Mooloolaba training camp is traditionally where the Hawks first get to know the new kinks coach Alastair Clarkson adds to the gameplan each year.
"'Foxy' (chief executive Stuart Fox) spent a lot of money sending coaches overseas," Lewis said with a smile.
"They try to bring a few things back to justify their trip so no doubt they'll do that again this year. Hopefully whatever they implement will work, but every other side is doing that as well.
"It's not until you get into the season that you see what you're doing actually works, but we need to keep improving to stay at the forefront of the game."
Lewis was speaking at the announcement of auto manufacturer Audi as a major partner of the Hawks. Lewis is now an Audi ambassador, joining a group that includes actors Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman and Asher Keddie, champion surfer Mick Fanning, and fashion designer Collette Dinnigan.
"It's a bit embarrassing, but you take what they give you," Lewis laughed when asked about the new company he keeps.
"Most of them only come to Australia two or three times a year, but I'm here full-time so I can offer a bit more than they can."
