Chris Lewis (Australian rules footballer)
Encyclopedia
Christoper Lockley "Chris" Lewis (born 17 March 1969) is a former Australian rules football
er who played over 200 AFL
senior games for the West Coast Eagles
.
An Indigenous Australian, Lewis attended Christ Church Grammar School
for his secondary education, one of the elite independent schools in Western Australia. At the time, Christ Church apparently did not allow Year 10 students to play in the First XVIII football team (which was reserved for Year 11 and 12 boys, for safety reasons). However, Lewis' ability meant that an exception was made in his case. He was also a very good cricketer whilst at Christ Church.
In 1990, he won the West Coast Eagles Club Champion Award. He was a member of the 1992 and 1994 WCE premiership teams, as well as the 1996 Claremont
premiership team in the WAFL
.
In 2006 Lewis was named as half forward flanker in the Eagles' 20th anniversary team.
As a player, Lewis was considered a highly skilled player - his passing skills were amongst the best in the AFL. The main criticism of Lewis was his frequent suspensions. However, fans felt that he was given particularly unfair treatment from both umpires and the tribunal
. Lewis played much of his early football career prior to the AFL taking action against racial abuse, and thus racial taunts from opposition players were a frequent source of provocation.
Lewis has been known for many unusual suspensions, including biting Todd Viney
's finger in 1991, poking Stephen MacPherson
's eye in 1992 and then pushing Peter Worsfold
head first into the fence in 1993, just back from suspension. Another time he repeatedly kept on touching Glenn Freeborn
on his back while Freeborn was whacking it away.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er who played over 200 AFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
senior games for the West Coast Eagles
West Coast Eagles
The West Coast Eagles are an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League. The club is based in Perth, Western Australia. The club was founded in 1986 and played its first games in the 1987 season. Its current home ground is Subiaco Oval...
.
An Indigenous Australian, Lewis attended Christ Church Grammar School
Christ Church Grammar School
Christ Church Grammar School is an independent, Anglican day and boarding school for boys from Pre-Primary to Year 12. Located in Perth, Western Australia, the school overlooks the Swan River at Freshwater Bay in Claremont....
for his secondary education, one of the elite independent schools in Western Australia. At the time, Christ Church apparently did not allow Year 10 students to play in the First XVIII football team (which was reserved for Year 11 and 12 boys, for safety reasons). However, Lewis' ability meant that an exception was made in his case. He was also a very good cricketer whilst at Christ Church.
In 1990, he won the West Coast Eagles Club Champion Award. He was a member of the 1992 and 1994 WCE premiership teams, as well as the 1996 Claremont
Claremont Football Club
The Claremont Football Club, nicknamed the Tigers, is an Australian rules football club in the West Australian Football League . Its official colours are navy blue and gold....
premiership team in the WAFL
West Australian Football League
The West Australian Football League is an Australian rules football league based in Perth, Western Australia. The WAFL is the second-most popular in the state, behind the nation-wide Australian Football League...
.
In 2006 Lewis was named as half forward flanker in the Eagles' 20th anniversary team.
As a player, Lewis was considered a highly skilled player - his passing skills were amongst the best in the AFL. The main criticism of Lewis was his frequent suspensions. However, fans felt that he was given particularly unfair treatment from both umpires and the tribunal
AFL Tribunal
The AFL Tribunal is the disciplinary tribunal of the Australian Football League .-Points system:Source: AFL Tribunal 2011 Guidebook...
. Lewis played much of his early football career prior to the AFL taking action against racial abuse, and thus racial taunts from opposition players were a frequent source of provocation.
Lewis has been known for many unusual suspensions, including biting Todd Viney
Todd Viney
Todd Viney is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Melbourne in the VFL/AFL. After the sacking of Dean Bailey due to their embarrassing 186-point loss to , it was announced that Viney would be Melbourne's caretaker coach for the remainder of 2011.-Football career:As a youngster,...
's finger in 1991, poking Stephen MacPherson
Stephen MacPherson
Stephen MacPherson is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Footscray Bulldogs in the AFL.He became coach of the Greenvale Football Club, affiliated with the Essendon District Football League in 2004, steering them to multiple Finals appearance over his six years at the club...
's eye in 1992 and then pushing Peter Worsfold
Peter Worsfold
Peter Worsfold is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Bears in the Australian Football League during the early 1990s....
head first into the fence in 1993, just back from suspension. Another time he repeatedly kept on touching Glenn Freeborn
Glenn Freeborn
Glenn Freeborn was an Australian rules football player for both North Melbourne and Collingwood in the Australian Football League. Originally drafted by Melbourne, Freeborn was delisted without playing a game. A durable utility, Freeborn is best known for his three goals in the Kangaroos 1996...
on his back while Freeborn was whacking it away.