AFL: Carlton players Nic Newman and George Hewett focused on St Kilda after rousing victory over Fremantle

Carlton’s impressive defeat of Fremantle silenced its doubters but the coaches and players have already switched their attention to St Kilda.

Blues footballers Nic Newman (left) and George Hewett model the club’s Carlton Respects guernseys. Picture: Getty Images

Carlton remains on guard for Friday night’s date with a wounded St Kilda as it continues to strive for a top-four berth.

The Blues were widely praised for their outstanding performance in a 31-point drubbing of in-form Fremantle, with coach Michael Voss lauding it post-match as their best of the year.

But Nic Newman and George Hewett, who modelled the Carlton Respects guernsey, which aims to raise awareness for gender equality and the prevention of violence against women, are keeping the result in check.

“We’re really pleased and I think it was, as ‘Vossy’ said, probably our best performance of the year,” Newman said.

“We were really happy with how he played and probably the consistency over the four quarters. I think that was our best whole game as a group and against a really quality opposition in Freo and an important win.

Nic Newman (right) agrees with coach Michael Voss’ assessment that Carlton’s performance against Fremantle was its best of the season. Picture: Getty Images

“But while we’re really pleased, we’ve got to move on pretty quickly, because Friday night will come around very quickly and I’m sure the Saints will be raring to go.”

St Kilda needs to arrest a slump that has seen Brett Ratten’s side go from fifth to 10th off the back of three consecutive losses, whereas the Blues sit outside the top four only on percentage.

More good news is on the horizon for Carlton, with the likes of Adam Cerra, Jacob Weitering, Marc Pittonet and Jack Martin nearing their return from injury.

Weitering’s absence, in particular, has exacerbated the Blues’ shortage of key defensive options.

George Hewett continued his excellent first season in navy blue with a standout display against the Dockers. Picture: Getty Images

“I don’t know what the number is, but it seems like we’ve rolled through probably 35 to 40 players (39, second most in the AFL) and we’ve been grinding out some great wins,” Hewett said.

“I think that just goes to show how strong our list is. Some players, like ‘Kempy’ (Brodie Kemp) at the weekend; he’s a bit undersized but he played his role fantastically and I think we’re just doing a great job.”

Newman and Hewett both praised the cause the club was supporting with Carlton Respects.

“It’s a really special week and a great game to be a part of,” Newman said.

“It’s a really valued initiative from the club. It’s our main community engagement piece and something we’re really proud of as a club and proud to represent and it’s great (for it) to be part of the jumper this year.”