Blues Face Major Setback with Star Defender Out for 2025 Season

New Giants recruit hits training track | 02:22

Carlton have been dealt a brutal injury blow amid their pre-season preparations, with gun defender Nic Newman ruled out for the entirety of 2025.

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A staple in Carlton’s side the last three years across half back, the 32-year-old left the training track early on Friday morning in a sore way. Scans later in the day confirmed a ruptured patella tendon, ending his 2025 campaign before it could even truly start.

Newman was the runner-up in the Blues’ best-and-fairest count last year, with only captain Patrick Cripps polling more votes than him across the season.

“We are all very disappointed for Nic and our focus is on his recovery,” Carlton’s Football GM Brad Lloyd said in a club statement on Friday evening.

“He will soon undergo surgery to repair his patella, and from there he will enter into a rehabilitation program.

“Nic is the ultimate professional with an outstanding work ethic, he understands the process and will be well supported as he attacks his rehab.

“Nic is a leader and highly regarded at this Club, he’s someone who looks after his teammates on and off the field. The whole Club will wrap its arms around Nic as we support him on his road to recovery.”

Newman is expected to undergo surgery on the injury next week.

The former Swan has played 93 games for the Blues, having played 31 at Sydney in two seasons at the level.

Carlton had a well-documented issue with injuries all of last season, with almost all of their star players going down at some point during the home-and-away season. The unavailability of so many key players no doubt impacted them from going further into September.

The news comes after his teammate Sam Walsh was again sidelined in pre-season, with the star midfielder to miss at least the next month with a hamstring injury.

Carlton will play traditional Round 1 opponents Richmond to tick off their 2025 season at the MCG on Thursday, March 13.