THE PRAISE was glowing for a Carlton recruit who continued his exemplary start to life in Navy Blue.

Michael Voss drew on a message from his legendary coach Leigh Matthews when best asked to describe the impact which George Hewett was having across his opening five games of the season.

In the absence of Patrick Cripps, Hewett stood up at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Recording a career-high 13 clearances, Hewett was once again one of Carlton’s best with 33 disposals and 19 contested possessions.

Acquired by the Blues as a free agent last season, the externally underrated Hewett won’t stay that way for much longer if his current form continues. 

Hewett has averaged 28 disposals so far this season and ranks equal with Jack Macrae and Clayton Oliver as the No.2 ranked clearance players in the competition, behind only Travis Boak.

The words from Voss best sum it up.

“He’s been super consistent,” Voss said post-match.

“I had my old coach Leigh Matthews talk about having a player that you’d put up on the board, and you’d know they’d just turn up every single week and are ready to play. 

“I don’t think I understood that until I became a coach and you see your own players. 

“You look at someone like George and he epitomises that. I don’t have to worry about him during the week, I don’t have to worry about his preparation or his mindset coming into the game. 

“He’s an incredible competitor and he has slotted in very well for us.”