By Russell Bennett
‘The Machine’ just keeps powering on.
The teenage Casey Demons utility with the standout nickname – Perry Lewis-Smith – had a senior VFL debut to remember recently in the side’s 43-point triumph over Port Melbourne under lights on 20 May – 14.12 (96) to 8.5 (53).
A strong contingent of supporters from Lewis-Smith’s junior club, Parkmore, turned out to watch the 2015 premiership captain and former South East Juniors best and fairest winner in action and the 18-year-old gave yet another serious glimpse into his enormous potential – racking up 10 quality disposals despite coming off the bench as 23rd man.
Lewis-Smith grew up a North Melbourne fan and used to watch the likes of former Kangaroo Robin Nahas on a weekly basis.
Against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields, he did battle with him.
Lewis-Smith spoke about the admiration and respect he has for senior Demons coach Justin Plapp and development coach Paul Carbis, adding he’d be willing to “run through a brick wall” and do anything and everything they ask of him.
Port Melbourne went into the contest holding on to a share of the VFL ladder lead, but an undaunted Lewis-Smith still displayed plenty of his trademark poise.
He beamed with pride after the game as he was drenched with Gatorade in the team circle as the Demons belted out their famous song.
Lewis-Smith is as strong under the packs with his clean hands as he is on the outside with his relentless run and carry and sublime footskills.
But he’ll never be the one to say that – he’s too modest and unassuming. Just don’t mistake that for a lack of self-belief. He’s as self-driven as any prodigious young footballer his age.
Lewis-Smith’s nickname is ‘The Machine’ for very good reason – he won 10 best and fairest category awards as a junior player – three of them league awards – and last year he had the highest registered and recorded beep test out of all TAC Cup players competing in the 2016 combines at a whopping 15.7.
