THERE was gratitude everywhere from those at Carlton, not just in the rooms post-match on Good Friday but throughout the entire week.
The message had been clear in the lead-up to the Blues’ first Good Friday SuperClash — this game, more than most, extended beyond football.
That rung true for plenty in the Carlton community, including George Hewett.
He and partner Alice welcomed son Henry was born 12 weeks premature back in 2020, so while Hewett hadn’t been directly involved with the Royal Children’s Hospital (he was playing with Sydney at the time), he can instantly draw parallels with his situation.
“I had a premature baby: he wasn’t born at the hospital in Melbourne, but I’ve still got a connection,” Hewett said post-match.
“Seeing some of the kids, you can get a bit emotional.
“[The SuperClash] is a great thing and it was pretty special to be part of it — it’s an honour.”
Hewett said in pre-season that Henry had taken a particular liking to the Navy Blue in recent years, and that rung true in the stands as 49,062 packed into the Marvel Stadium stands.
“He was here — and he loved it!”
It’ll be another family affair for Hewett next week, when he returns to his original home of South Australia as the Blues open the first ever Gather Round.
Hewett - who had 15 disposals against North, having played extensive time across half-back in the second half - said next week was one which he had had on the calendar since the fixture’s announcement.
“It’ll be cool. It’s a great initiative from the AFL, everybody is looking forward to it,” he said.
“I can’t wait and the boys can’t wait.”
