THE first season under AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss will go down as one to remember and one of transformation for the Carlton Football Club.
It was a year where a number of Carlton players enjoyed breakthrough seasons, whether that was a key milestone, a landmark achievement, the start of a journey or a career-best campaign.
Year in review
In his first season for the Blues and his ninth season overall, George Hewett was a vital piece of the Carlton midfield, as well as having a career-best season for himself.
Using his strength and body in the centre, Hewett was able to be first to the ball, moving out of congestion and giving his teammates best access.
Alongside other big bodies such as Patrick Cripps and Matt Kennedy, Hewett’s class with ball in hand and his ability to win the ball gave the Carlton midfield a big lift.
Hewett’s clearance work was his biggest asset, regularly having the highest numbers on the ground: he ranked No.7 in the AFL for clearances per game, with Cripps coming in third.
Unfortunately for Hewett, his season was cut short with a back injury that saw him on the sidelines after Round 18, but it was a stellar first campaign in Navy Blue for Carlton's No.29.
2022 in numbers
Hewett was a ball magnet through the middle, averaging 29 disposals a game.
He ranked third in the league for centre clearances per game, with his highlight coming in the Round 5 win over Port Adelaide, where he gathered a career-high 13 clearances (eight via the centre bounce).
Always a good ball user, Hewett ranked fifth in the competition for effective disposals per game, while he recorded 100 score involvements for the season.
On-field highlight
Hewett’s performance against Port Adelaide was the most dominant performance he produced for the season, providing strong contested work, and willing his team over the line.
In just his fifth game for the Club, Hewett amassed 33 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 13 clearances, earning seven coaches votes - and a Brownlow vote - for his game.
In the three-point win, Hewett stood up alongside Sam Walsh and proved a pivotal part of Carlton's midfield group in the absence of injured skipper Patrick Cripps.
Off-field highlight
For Hewett, having his son finally old enough to run around with him at his new home was a special moment.
Bringing his son Henry to the first open training session of the year, Hewett was seen kicking the footy around with him, looking completely elated to share the moment with his son at IKON Park.
Henry was seen at most games post-match in the rooms - sporting a No.29 Carlton guernsey and holding a footy - excited to cheer his dad on after each game.
In his own words
Looking back on Hewett's first interview with Carlton Media, it's pretty clear that he kept his word with what he wanted to achieve in his first year at IKON Park.
"I know my strengths, which is being hard at it and being clean. I just try and be creative when I’ve got the ball and beat my man when I have to beat them.
“I’m confident in what I can do for this team and club.”
