How do the Blues replace Nic Newman?

Carlton defender Nic Newman will miss the 2025 season after suffering a ruptured patella tendon at training.

With his dash off half-back, along with his ability to use the ball and defend well, Newman will be a hard player for the Blues to replace.

So how does Carlton replace a player that finished runner-up in their best and fairest two years in a row?

Nic Newman will miss the 2025 season after rupturing his patella tendon. Photo Courtesy: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Whilst Newman’s absence in 2025 will be a big blow for the Blues’ defence, they do have a number of players who can play that half-back role.

After spending some time in the midfield prior to his ACL injury in 2024, Sam Docherty could make a return to his old role at half-back.

Zac Williams who also transitioned to a new role from half-back, spending the second half of 2024 in the forward line, could potentially be forced to move back to defence due to Newman’s injury.

Midfielders Ollie Hollands and Adam Cerra were also played off half-back at various stages during the 2024 season and could find themselves rotating through that role again in 2025. Hollands in particular has been training as a half-back over the pre-season.

Ollie Hollands has been spending time training as a half-back in the pre-season. Photo Courtesy: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Jack Silvagni, returning from an ACL injury, has also been training as a defender during the pre-season. Whilst this would most likely be as a key defender, Silvagni has shown his ability to be versatile on the field and could give the Blues some run off half-back.

Alex Cincotta is another option, having started his career at Carlton in defence and proving to be a handy lockdown defender. However, after spending some time as a defensive forward and keeping some of the best defenders in the game quiet, the club may prefer to keep him in that role.

Small defenders Jordan Boyd and Lachie Cowan are both more than capable of stepping into Newman’s role. Boyd’s ball use, along with his ability to run, could make him one of the top candidates to take that position.

Jordan Boyd has been a reliable player in the Blues' defence. Photo Courtesy: Michael Wilson

The Blues also have the option of going a bit more left field. Midfielder Jaxon Binns, who struggled to break into the team in 2024, could provide some dash off half-back, whilst wingman Matthew Cottrell, known for his running ability, is another option. Youngster Billy Wilson has also impressed this pre-season.

Carlton will kick off their 2025 season against Richmond in round one.