LEADERSHIP and a local boy: Jack Newnes has plenty to offer at his new club.

After a “whirlwind” few months, the midfield workhorse joined Carlton as a delisted free agent after spending the first eight years of his career at St Kilda.

It’s somewhat of a homecoming for the new Blue, with the 155-gamer spending much of his childhood around the corner from Ikon Park.

“My grandparents actually lived on Amess Street, just up the road: I spent a lot of my childhood in Carlton,” Newnes said.

“I’m really excited. It’s been a bit a bit of whirlwind in the last couple of months but I’m glad the decision has been made. I’m rapt to start and get to know everyone.

“There was a bit going on. It’s been a bit of a weird set-up: I’m glad it’s finally done and I can move forward.”

Newnes arrives at Carlton with a wealth of experience, while his work ethic and durability was evident during an unbroken run of 123 games at St Kilda.

Having spent four years as part of the St Kilda leadership group, Newnes has a wealth of knowledge to impart upon the Blues’ young list.

“There are a lot of young guys here and I’ve got a lot of experience. I’ll hopefully be able to give them a fair bit of knowledge on what it takes, but also I’ve got a lot of improvement personally,” he said.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to guide the young boys if they need some help.

“I’ve always trained my bum off throughout the pre-season and throughout the year, so that’s one thing that I like to live by.”

A versatile winger in his time at the Saints, Newnes sees himself as a flexible link between offence and defence.

“I think my main strengths are my ability to run all day: I can’t wait to run out there with them,” he said.

“Hopefully I can help set up the team through my offence and help out the defence when they need someone to get back and support.”

Commending the Blues’ young star-studded midfield, the new recruit is most excited to crack in through the centre alongside skipper Patrick Cripps and young gun Sam Walsh.

“I can’t wait to run out there with them,” he said.

“Crippa’ especially has had a massive start to his career and I can’t wait to see where he goes throughout the next 2-3 years. Sam Walsh has only just started but we’ve seen from his year what he’s capable of.”