“WE’RE back.”
On the back of his 2025 John Nicholls Medal at the start of the month, the best news for George Hewett this October was that old mates Ollie Florent and Will Hayward will be joining him in Navy Blue.
After a pair of deadline day trades with the Swans, it was confirmed that both Florent and Hayward would be joining Hewett and Nic Newman at IKON Park, after the quartet all started their career in the red and white in Sydney.
For the reigning Carlton club champion, his first reaction was one of excitement to link up with the duo.
“First and foremost, they’re two really, really good people, great for the environment who bring people together off the field. It’s exciting that I’ll reunite with two of my old teammates, because I know they’re quality people and quality players,” Hewett said.
“They came to Sydney at the same time, drafted together - it feels like the trade was meant to be for those two.”
Hewett played with the duo for five seasons in Sydney after they were drafted in 2016, while Newman’s first AFL game came alongside Hayward in Round 2, 2017: on that night, both Newman and Florent kicked their first AFL goals.
On the individual players, Hewett believed they possessed traits - both on and off the field - which would improve the Blues.
“Like a lot of teams that play finals consistently and reach Grand Finals, you can focus on the stars - but there’s no secret that the Swans have been thereabouts because of blokes like Ollie.
“Everyone knows he provides x-factor, but he can play a variety of roles and executes them really well. He’s got good speed, decision-making and skills, but he’s also as competitive as anyone.
“I’ve always found Will a great leader when it comes to his team-first attitude. He can always find ways to kick goals when others can’t and has that aerial ability and speed, but I’ve also found he’s one of the toughest players to play against one on one.
“I know how hard they train, they’re always on the park playing. They’ve been in the system for nine years but I think they’ve played 180 games each: that’s a lot of footy for young careers. Their journeys are only starting, it’s exciting for everyone.”
