THE YOUNG guns made the headlines in Carlton’s win against West Coast on Sunday afternoon. 

Some were playing their first games in the AFL whilst others were continuing positive form after a season of consistent football. 

Blues’ defender Nic Newman had one name spring to mind when thinking of young footballers making their way in the team: his self-appointed protege Lachie Cowan. 

“I am really proud of him,” Newman said. 

“He’s played a lot of footy this year and I think in the last few weeks especially, he’s starting to come into his own and starting to get some belief and confidence in the player he can be.”

Cowan has played 22 games now for the Navy Blue - sitting on 15 in 2024 - and has grown better and more consistent with every outing across half back. 

A tough defender willing to put his head over the ball or intercept in the air, his booming kick can pierce the field, making him a threat down back. 

Working well alongside the likes of Jordan Boyd, Adam Saad and Newman, the 19-year-old has put in the effort and is reaping the rewards on the field. 

“I think all supporters and fans would love the way he goes about it,” Newman said.

“He’s hard at it, he’s reliable and that’s what I love about him and he’s starting to establish a really good brand for himself.”

With the hallmark of the Blues’ game being consistent contest and pressure, there’s no going past Cowan when looking for those trying to live the Club's values.

With Newman admitting that their game can completely change when they don’t bring their strengths, the Blues will need to replicate their efforts from Sunday if they want to take it to the Saints in the final round. 

“On the weekend we showed that when we bring those things, we’re a good footy team, that’ll definitely be the aim this week,” he said. 

“We know what’s on the line, we want to win and it should be a cracking game and I think the best part is that our fate is in our own hands and we can’t wait.”

Ollie Hollands - who was drafted in the same year as Cowan - played his first game in a new role across half-back, making room for Jaxon Binns on the wing. 

Newman couldn’t fault Hollands’ effort down back, lauding his ability to halve contests and to seamlessly transition into a new role without complaint. 

“We know his aerobic capacity and his ability to get up and down the ground but I thought his ability to halve contests and lay tackles and do the defensive stuff was the most impressive,” he said.  

“Similar to [Brodie Kemp], it’s nice to know that these guys can play different roles. It was a little bit forced, but I guess some good can come from that.”