NIC Newman has been a welcome addition to the Carlton backline since swapping red and white for the Navy Blue last year.

The ex-Swan has slotted seamlessly into a much-improved defensive group since arriving as an off-season recruit, averaging 21.3 disposals a game across half-back.

The experienced defender spoke to media on Monday morning ahead of Saturday’s clash with his old side.

“I’m looking forward to getting up there and matching it with some of my mates again,” Newman said.

“We played them in Round 3 so I got it out of the way early playing them.”

The Blues head into the Round 17 clash looking for their fourth win of 2019 after yesterday’s narrow five-point loss to Melbourne.

Despite a valiant fourth-quarter fightback, the Blues’ efforts just weren’t enough to overcome Melbourne’s head start.

“It’s been disappointing to give teams head starts and it’s something we’ll no doubt address today and tomorrow,” he said.

“I’m sure there are lots of things we could do a bit better to get ourselves right and ready before games.”

Carlton’s starts have been a concern in recent weeks, with the Demons at one stage boasting a 38-point lead before the Blues stormed home in front of a big crowd at the MCG. 

Acknowledging Carlton’s room to grow, Newman was pleased with the ability to fight back late in games.

“On a positive note, I think the fact that we’ve been able to fight back late in quarters and really dig in has been a real positive especially with such a young group,” he said.

With two wins to go with two losses under a goal in the last month, Newman is confident the Blues’ attacking game style will serve them well over the remainder of the season.

“We’ve played some really good footy and haven’t got over the line a couple of times,” he said.

“So for the back half of the year we just want to try and win a few more games at least and really show our supporters and members that we’re on the right track.”