THE CHANCE to get involved with Carlton's AFLW program as an assistant coach was simply an opportunity which Nic Newman couldn't turn down.

Newman will take charge of the backline for the Game Changers, looking to impart the knowledge he has acquired over his AFL career.

Embarking on his fourth season playing with Carlton, Newman is tracking toward 50 games in Navy Blue – a tenure which has seen the attacking defender earn a reputation for his unrelenting efforts on the field and his passion and drive off it, resulting in being named Best Clubman in 2020.

An injury-interrupted 2020 campaign granted Newman his first foray into coaching, with the 28-year-old taking on a development role in the Gold Coast hub, while rehabilitating his patella tendon.

“I was lucky enough in the hub, while being injured, to be given the opportunity to work with Luke Power and Daniel O’Keefe to do some stuff with the development boys in the backline,” Newman said.

“It was a great opportunity, and I learned a lot. It definitely fast-tracked the coaching stuff for me.

"That was a great start and this is another stepping stone to have a line and more of an official role... I was really keen to get involved.”

Taking part in line meetings, training sessions and one-on-one sessions as a coach, Newman was also seen at VFL level in the early part of this season, taking on a similar role as he prepared to return to coaching.

In recent weeks, he has been combining his AFL training with his coaching at AFLW level, following in the footsteps and taking on the advice of former teammate and fellow AFLW assistant coach, Kade Simpson.

When presented with the opportunity to get involved and ultimately take on a role with the Game Changers by General Manager of Women’s Football Brett Munro, the decision was an easy one.

“'Munners' [Brett Munro] knew I was keen on coaching post-footy and I’d done a little bit through my playing career," he said.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity and lucky to have been given it.”

Newman hopes the opportunity will bring balance to his footballing life and despite still being quite fresh in his new role, he is already learning from the Game Changers.

“There’s just an overwhelming sense of positivity around the program and everyone says how much they’ve learned and grown since being part of it,” he said.

“I think we can lose sight sometimes of the fun and the enjoyment of footy. The girls have fun and they love the game.”