Warren Lewis

Recruited from Penshurst in Victoria's Western District, Warren Lewis was a tall key position prospect who experienced the ultimate success almost immediately upon arriving at the VFL level. Standing 183cm, he impressed observers as a centre half-back in practice matches and broke into the senior side late in the 1941 season. In a remarkable turn of events, he was selected as the 19th man for the Grand Final in just his fourth league appearance, earning a premiership medallion when the Demons defeated Essendon. His promising start was abruptly halted by military service during World War II, which cost him the prime developmental years of his career. Lewis returned to Melbourne for a brief four-game stint in 1944, where he drifted forward to kick three goals, before eventually being cleared back to Penshurst to continue his career in country football.