After playing the opening 11 games of the season in the AFL, Rohan Bewick’s omission came as somewhat of a surprise - but his attitude in going back to the NEAFL was exemplary, and resulted in him winning the Round 14 nomination for the Syd Guildford trophy.
While playing predominantly as a half-forward in the Brisbane Lions AFL team, the chance to play in the NEAFL allowed Bewick to play in his favoured midfield position.
He relished the role and racked up 35 disposals, 11 marks, four tackles, six clearances, eight inside 50 and three goals to earn best on ground honours against Aspley.
Lions Coach Leigh Harding said that it was Bewick’s attitude that was the most pleasing aspect of his performance.
“He led from the front,” Harding said.
“He came back with a great attitude and did all the things we asked him to do.
“He got his hands on the ball and was obviously rewarded with some goals.
“The things around the ground that he did was invaluable for the team – (it was a) very good game from Rohan.”
Harding also said that Bewick has a number of strengths that make him a regular member of the Lions senior side.
“His work rate is number one,” Harding said.
“He enjoys cracking in and tackling and putting pressure on.
“That’s the way the game is at the moment – the defensive side of the game is almost number one so if you can bring that then the rest of your game can flow from that, and that’s what Rohan does bring.”
While Bewick’s aspiration is obviously to regain a place in the Lions senior team, he said that the NEAFL provided him with an opportunity to work on other aspects of his game.
“I needed to be a bit cleaner with the ball and work on getting the ball in a bit more traffic and working my way through congestion,” Bewick said.
Bewick further said that it was a good opportunity to show the younger Lions players what it takes to play consistent footy at the top level.
“It’s good for them to see what sort of standard and work-rate is required to play in the ones,” he said.
“So hopefully I showed how hard you do have to run and how hard you do have to defend.
“Hopefully they got a bit of a look at what sort of running’s required and the four quarter effort to play in the seniors.”
Harding is one who believes that if Bewick maintains his consistency, a recall to the senior line up will not be far off.
“He’s definitely put his hand back up again,” Harding said.
“He played AFL standard footy at NEAFL level and that’s all you can do.
“If he brings the right attitude, the rest (recall to the senior line up) looks after itself.”
