WHEN Lachie Cowan was drafted to his boyhood club just over 18 months ago, the Tasmanian had to settle in somewhere. 

That was with Nic Newman.

Living with Newman and fiancé Sam, Cowan came to grips with life in a new city, having just celebrated his 18th birthday and getting his dream move to IKON Park.

Since then, even long after Cowan has since moved out with fellow youngsters Jaxon Binns and Billy Wilson, the half-back duo have a strong bond both on and off the field — despite Newman being the veteran on the Blues’ list, and Cowan still being just 19.

And with the emerging tough defender having played seven of the last eight games, his more experienced contemporary is loving what he’s seeing.

“He was an 18-year-old, so he wasn’t a clean roommate . . . but neither was I at 18. He’s a good kid: Sam - my partner - loved him. I think she deep down misses having him around,” Newman said on SEN.

“I’m careful pumping him up too much, I’ve got to keep him level — but he’s going really well. I think most Carlton fans would love the way he goes about it. He’s pretty tough and reliable, and as a defender, that’s what Carlton fans would like to see.

“You forget he’s only [19] years old, I think he’s going to be a really good player for the footy club for a long time. Hopefully we’ve got a few more games together before he takes over my spot!”

For Cowan, having the chance to learn from someone like Newman - who has been through just about everything during his time in the AFL - has been a valuable one. 

Now playing alongside him in the senior side, Cowan is up to 14 games at the elite level, with the no-fuss youngster building by the week.

It’s already been quite the initiation for him, with four of those 14 being in front of crowds of over 85,000. The confidence at AFL level is growing by the week.

“I am starting to feel like I belong. I bring that back to all my teammates, with the belief they have in me and the confidence they give me to go out and play my role. It’s been really good,” Cowan said.

“I’ve settled into that now. Last year, playing my first game going in and not all that confident compared to this year, coming in full of belief — the boys have backed me.”

The duo were on SEN in the lead-up to the annual AFL Carlton Respects Game, with the players detailing the work done each year to educate the players on a cause which Newman highlighted as one “we’re really passionate about as a footy club — not just the players, but the staff as well”.

“It’s only my second year, but it’s something that’s very important,” Cowan said.

Newman added: “You’ll see us with a bit of orange on the jumper, there are a few initiatives pre-game. We’re trying to raise some money, we’ve got a goal of $200,000 which we’re trying to raise as a footy club. Hopefully people can jump on board and get involved.”