Mitch Robinson has never shirked a contest on the field so it's probably no surprise he's not shirking nappy-changing duties with young son Chance.

Robinson and partner Emma MacNeill became parents for the first time when Chance was born early last month.

AFL.com.au met the doting parents at Visy Park to speak about the Indigenous jumper MacNeill designed – with a little help from Robinson – for the Blues' Indigenous Round clash with the Brisbane Lions this Saturday.

Robinson cradled Chance as we spoke, the infant fully alert the whole time, but perfectly happy in front of the camera. He did not cry and just once spat the dummy – literally – with Dad catching and replacing it in one seamless motion.

Robinson admitted parenthood had been an eye-opener, but seemed to be loving every moment of it.

"You find out about sleepless nights and that kind of stuff, but we've been very lucky with little Chance," Robinson said.

"He's sleeping very well, or for me anyway, I'm sleeping a lot better because Emma does most of the work during the night.

"But he's definitely changed my life for the better and I probably should have done it earlier I reckon.

Robinson said a smile from Chance could turn a bad day around and put his football firmly into perspective.

"If you've had a bad day or you've had a bad game, you just go home and he'll be smiling no matter what, so that's kind of the best thing," he said.

"Coming into work you want to get better, not just for yourself but for your family as well, so it's definitely put it in a lot of perspective and I thank him for that."

Asked whether Robinson was a hands-on dad, MacNeill sang his praises.

"He's always very helpful and willing to change nappies and things like that," MacNeill said.

"And if I can't settle [Chance] he always jumps in and takes over.

"We're a pretty good team at the moment."

Mitch Robinson with his partner Emma MacNeill and their son Chance. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)

Robinson has been in good form this year, but missed rounds four and five with a knee injury and last Sunday's win over Adelaide because of a one-match suspension for striking St Kilda's Jack Newnes.

The 24-year-old was particularly disappointed to miss the Crows clash because it was his first chance to square off against former Blue and great mate Eddie Betts.

Robinson stayed with Betts in Adelaide during Carlton's round nine bye and had mixed emotions ahead of last Sunday's clash.

"It was kind of funny over there, I was going through his bags trying to find all the structure sheets and stuff," Robinson joked.

"I was kind of hoping he would play well and we would get the win, so that happened in the end.

"So that was a good bonus."

Robinson is playing a different role this season, spending most of his time up forward rather than in the midfield.

It is his second year under Mick Malthouse and Robinson agrees with our suggestion that the three-time premiership coach rides him pretty hard.

But he stresses that in doing so Malthouse has had a big impact on him as a footballer.

"He's a very good coach. I think he picks and chooses players that he knows he can give a bit of a spray to and hopefully I'm one of those players who can take it and get on with the job," Robinson says.

"But I've played a bit of a different role this year, more forward than midfield, and I'm starting to love playing footy again."

Robinson is set to come out of contract at the end of this season, but has opened talks with Carlton about a new deal and would "love" to stay.

"Carlton gave me the opportunity when I got drafted, so I'd love to stay around and show the faith back to the club," Robinson says.

"It's going well, the club and I are going back and forth. We're looking at a good deal, so I'd love to stay for a couple of years and give back to the club."

Robinson also hopes his family name will remain part of Carlton long after he retires, already looking ahead to Chance's likely draft year, 2032.

"I've got six games to go till I [play 100 games and qualify for] the father-son rule so hopefully I can get [Chance] in the Blues jumper down the track," he said.