In a club-by-club analysis, Lyon nominated the players who were vital cogs to team success, pinpointing Lewis as the unsung hero at Hawthorn.
"I think Jordan Lewis is, again, underrated," Lyon told AFL.com.au's panel show Footy Focus.
"I think he does the job that the Hawthorn footy club want him to do, and therefore, perhaps the public don't see it as often as we do."
While Lewis is usually given a tagging role, it's his ability to switch to attack that Lyon thinks is critical.
"He goes to the opposition's best player more often than not, and will do that in a forward role.
"We've seen him do it on Heath Shaw and kick five goals and beat him.
"When it's all said and done, he's got the ability to kick goals and ooze class. I think he's super-important."
Lyon rated Lewis' no-frills approach a greater barometer for Hawthorn than the likes of Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli.
"You can have them in, but I just love the leadership that he brings to that footy club. I think he's a super-important player."
