AS PART of Carlton Media’s commitment to keep members and fans connected during the AFL shutdown, Nic Newman took to Twitter to answer your questions. 

As ever, the questions - and the responses - were mixed.

Here are a few of the best:

Being a former Dolphins lad, what are your thoughts on the current situation on the VFL? - CFC Cheersquad

NN: It's a difficult one. I'm pretty biased towards the VFL and how important it is to young players that aren't drafted. I think it's a really important pathway for late developers such as myself and lots of others. Hopefully the standalone clubs can survive.

How's the injury tracking along and will you be ready for when play resumes?

NN: Very well. I'm just about out of the brace and I haven't really missed any running or leg weights. I'll be ready to go for the next game, whenever that is.

Who's the player that you would least like to defend at Carlton? - Riley

NN: Jack Martin is someone I wouldn't want to play on: he can do it all. He can mark over his head, he hits hard, he can kick on both feet. On the other hand, it'd be pretty easy to play on Harry McKay: a small gust of wind knocks him over.

Favourite thing about playing at Carlton FC? - Elli

NN: I love playing for a club with strong history behind it. Also, I love playing in front of our big home crowds, it's pretty cool.

Any noticeable difference between your time at Sydney to now at the mighty Blues? - Mayney

NN: The age demographic was the biggest thing at the time of the change: there were a lot more senior guys at Sydney, which took a bit of adjusting to. The lack of media in Sydney compared to Melbourne is something that was also a big difference.

Pineapple on pizza, yes or no? - Hunter

NN: A soft yes. I think it goes with ham but it's not my favourite. It's acceptable but it's not a favourite.

How are you keeping yourself mentally alert and in a good mindset? - Jacqueline

NN: I'm trying to stick to a fairly normal routine, getting up at an early time and filling my days in with whatever I can. Exercising and doing my training outside is a big help with that. I'm also doing a coaching course: an AFLCA course.

How many people say "Hello Newman" to you when they see you and are you completely sick of it yet? - Andrew

NN: Not that many people say it in my day-to-day life, but a lot of footy fans mention it to me. If anything, our club's social media channels tend to go with it more than anyone. I thought they could maybe come up with something new and exciting, but here we are.

Which player has had the worst banter in the team WhatsApp since lockdown? - Nato

NN: That's a tough one. We'll go with Jacob Weitering because he's a ghost, he doesn't offer anything.

What were your initial thoughts when Carlton expressed interest in signing you and why did you chose Carlton? - Mark

NN: We'll tie those together: I thought it'd be a good opportunity to have a positive impact on a younger group. I saw a lot of potential, a chance to show a bit of leadership as well as being back home. I loved joining a team on the rise to build something special.