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The move of George Hewett to Carlton is one of the confusing recent free agency moves. Here’s why.
Career High SuperCoach Score: 154 vs Brisbane (2019)
Career High SuperCoach Average: 88 (2019)
Career High AFLFantasy Score: 113 vs Melbourne (2017)
Career High AFLFantasy Average: 75 (2019)
Embed from Getty ImagesImpact on New Club
In my analysis of AFL, I always try to look at the potential positive outcome. After all, I’m not and likely never will work in the AFL recruiting space. Regardless, the addition of George Hewett to Carlton seems a complete waste.
To be clear, this is no slide on George. On the contrary, it’s focused on Carlton. When at his best, Hewett supplies strong accountability to opposition midfielders through defensive pressure and supplies 100% effort. These are skills that Matt Kennedy already possess, so too Ed Curnow. In addition, it’s also a role that Michael Voss could use to develop young talent like Brodie Kemp.
The midfield mix at Carlton in 2022 fascinates me. First, of course, the Blues big three picks themselves, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra and Patrick Cripps, is as good as any AFL side starting midfield when fit. But then, the supporting cast of Zac Fisher, Matt Kennedy, George Hewett, Paddy Dow and Jack Martin. Let alone whether or not Zac Williams ever gets his chances there again. That primary group is fine, adding Hewett is trying to bring in a younger version of Curnow.
Hewett is a solid player, but in my opinion, they are throwing away their salary cap and development opportunities of another kid. I believe they already have this skillset covered both in best 22 and with depth options.
Impact on Old Club
Minimal, if anything, it does the Swans a favour. The departure of Hewett opens up the opportunity for Sydney to play James Rowbottom in this role. James has struggled to find room in the best 22 when Chad Warner and Hewett have played. Rowbottom’s appetite for the contest and pressure is sensational. Additionally, his speed around congestion creates some excellent separation between him and the remaining midfield inside unit.
Fantasy Summary
In AFLFantasy and UltimateFooty, where in-season DPP’s are permitted, he picked up defensive status. Should he be allocated MID/DEF or pure defensive position, he becomes a player of interest in later rounds for draft coaches.
On his day, George Hewett can score. In round 18 this year against the Giants, he posted a 134 in SuperCoach and 95 in AFLFantasty. In the season’s final two matches, he scored 91 & 96 in AFLFantasy and 102 & 106 in SuperCoach.
I don’t see the scoring growth for classic game formats to warrant his selection even as a defender. But in drafts, I see him as a possible later flyer that could give owners a few handy weeks.
