“AS SOON as I came to Carlton, I took nothing for granted. I think that’s one of the reasons why I’ve enjoyed the love of the game again.”

The 2025 campaign could’ve panned out quite differently for Nick Haynes. He’s the first one to admit it.

Part of the appeal of coming to Carlton was the potential to play in front of big crowds at the MCG. 

His Navy Blue debut came in the season opener against Richmond. And just like how the night panned out for the wider team, it’s safe to say Haynes would’ve envisaged it going slightly differently.

“I wouldn’t say I relished Round 1 against Richmond…”

“But having that perspective of gratitude, I had a poor Round 1 but it was just getting back to work - I knew what I could do as a footballer.”

After that night, Haynes responded in kind, with the former Giant exceeding expectations over the course of the 2025 campaign.

Playing every game for the season, the experienced defender put his body on the line countless times for his new club.

Come season’s end, he had even pushed up to the wing for the final month of the season, winding back the clock after a final few years at the Giants which had the former All Australian playing VFL football.

And yet, he now finds himself returning for 2026, having earlier this week penned a one-year contract extension with the Blues to take him into a 15th season in the elite competition.

“Having 13 years at one club, you definitely get used to a certain way of football. I’ve really enjoyed my football again.

“To get my love back in the game, to be out on the park, to do the whole pre-season… I have a lot of gratitude to be able to be out on the park and play this game of AFL.

“It can be taken away from you pretty quickly. So every game I’m out there and every week - regardless of win, loss or draw - I’m grateful to still call myself an AFL football and contribute to the Club.”