Bewick’s long-kicking and strong overhead marking have quickly become strengths of his game, but his greatest asset is hard-running - a feature which tends to go relatively unnoticed, particularly when viewing games on television.
If you watch the 22 year-old closely behind the play, you will see him constantly running to provide his team-mates with an option.
It can often be a futile exercise, as there are times when he will break away from his opponent and offer a 100m lead, only to be overlooked by his teammate who instead chooses another option.
His ability to provide repeat leads comes from a strong endurance base he developed during his junior years in Western Australia.
Bewick’s supreme running ability - he runs on average around 15km per game - was on display at the 2010 AFL Draft Camp when he finished ninth in the Beep Test (14.7) and sixth in the 3km Time Trial (10:18).
“I was a bit of a late developer, but since I was about 19, I had a big focus on making running a big part of my game,” Bewick told lions.com.au.
“The big grounds in the WAFL got me used to running, so I concentrated on it pretty heavily.”
A wingman by trade, Bewick shifted to the relatively unfamiliar surrounds of the forward line this season, which proved a masterstroke by the Club’s coaching staff.
He finished with 18 goals - the fourth most at the Club - and kicked at least one goal in 12 of his last 13 senior matches.
“I’d never really played in the forward line before - I usually played on a wing in the WAFL and junior footy,” Bewick said.
“I’m always happy to get a run on the wing, but it’s also good fun kicking goals.”
Bewick’s improved 2012 form has seen him play more regular minutes in the senior side - after spending seven of his first 12 AFL matches pinch-hitting as the team’s substitute.
“I’m very happy to haven shaken off the green vest,” Bewick laughed.
“It certainly helps your football when you’re playing full games, rather than just getting a quarter.”
