AS THE countdown to this year's free agency, trade and draft periods continues, we're looking back at how some current Blues arrived at the Club.
Kicking things off, we rewind to look at the acquisition of Jack Newnes.
The deal
Of course, there are more than a few ways for players to change clubs in the modern day football landscape.
Jack Newnes is a perfect example of that.
Come the conclusion of the free agency and trade periods, Newnes found himself on the way to Ikon Park as a delisted free agent on 1 November last year.
How it has transpired
While Newnes was seen as a valuable pick-up at the time, not everyone would have expected Newnes to make the impact he has in 12 months.
Featuring in every game over the course of the truncated 2020 season, Newnes’ versatility came into full effect as he featured across a wing as well as spending time across half back and half forward.
It was his work in front of goal which was arguably most valuable, with the recruit kicking 13 goals from 17 games.
More than a few of them happened to be of the highest quality, too.
Providing some running power to an on-ball brigade containing the likes of Patrick Cripps and Ed Curnow, it was an effective first season for Newnes who slotted in seamlessly to David Teague’s line-up.
The best moment
Do you really need to ask?
It was Carlton’s first after-the-siren winner in 33 years, and a goal which went down in Carlton history.
It may not have received the nod as the official AFL Goal of the Year, but it was the single moment which had Carlton fans - and the football world - out of their seats at home in 2020.
Where to from here?
Newnes came into Carlton to provide some experience, and with 172 games under his belt he’s done exactly that.
As more of the Blues’ young core continue to push for selection, Newnes knows the competition for spots will heat up.
However, having proven himself as a valuable addition in Carlton’s line-up this year, they’re going to have to do a lot right to displace the 27-year-old.
It’s been Newnes’ consistency and longevity which has served him well so far in his AFL career: he has missed just six games in the past eight seasons across two clubs.
