Lewis introduces us to his new best friend ...

I found out last year that my partner Jess, who was still in Perth at that stage, was pregnant.

It hit me for a moment, I didn’t know what to do, but I was so happy and I told Jess no matter what, I’d be there for her and bub.

And nine months later, on Boxing Day last year,  we had a little baby boy, Lewis Oliver Miller Jetta.

We had done a deal so that if it was a boy, I got to name him, and if it was a girl, Jess could. So Lewis it was.

He’s got long legs and I think he has my features and he has grown so quickly in the past few weeks.

We went into hospital on Christmas Day when Jess went into labour. I had a chicken sandwich for Christmas lunch so he ruined my meal but it was the best thing ever. I was doing a bit of stretching in the room, just trying to pass the time, while Jess was in labour. And then he finally came the next day.

When I first saw him - after I cut the cord and splashed a bit of blood on the doctor! - I snatched him from Jess’ hands and just held him and had a few tears.  He didn’t cry at all though and was so alert.

It was a big year. I made my AFL debut, finally kicked a goal, and then topped it off with a son. I had a very good year!

Training has been going well but when I’m at the Club, I just can’t wait to get home to see him.

I want to be the best father I can to him and to make sure he has a secure and safe life as he grows up, so he never struggles. That’s all I’m thinking about at the moment.

My parents gave me and all my brothers and my sister a great upbringing.

From my Dad I learnt discipline and hardness, and being polite to everyone and using your manners. From my Mum I learnt - and she is still teaching me - how to talk to people more easily, which can be hard for me at times.

I switch on and off now from home to the Club, so when I go home I’m more relaxed and don’t think about footy, I just spend time watching him smile and he’s starting to show off his gums and laugh.

Like all parents we want him to sleep more, but he just lies there and smiles.

I’m not sure if he’ll be a fast runner like me, though he does have my legs, and when I hold him on my lap he goes up and down and tries to squat. I’ve told our strength coach Bryce he’s going to be a good squats man.

When it comes to fatherhood I’ll be a bit serious, but I’m still going to be the one around the Club who likes to play practical jokes, do pranks and have a laugh.

I can’t wait for the season to start, with my new best friend watching on in his red and white baby jump suit!