THE MARK of the man.

Nic Newman will play his 150th AFL game when Carlton takes on Gold Coast, a milestone for an individual who has very much had to do it the hard way.

A popular figure amongst all his teammates, the three-time Best Clubman has made a key impact during his time at IKON Park… but has also been more than willing to fire off some comments about his teammates along the way.

Three close mates sat down with Carlton Media this week to speak about the milestone - and also get some revenge on Carlton’s No.24.

Jacob Weitering: To work his way through everything he’s had to go through: he was knocked back multiple times early days, and he’d admit himself that he had to do a bit of growing up. He did some great things with Frankston in the VFL, Sydney saw some things they could use and then he made the transition over to Carlton. He’s really blossomed as both a player and as a leader - I’m not sure if he saw himself as a leader in his younger days, but in my time at Carlton, he’s been an excellent mentor and connector.

Lachie Cowan: What I will say is it’s a big credit to him getting to 150. He didn’t have the easiest start to his AFL career, but to play 150 games - even with the injury last year, you wouldn’t think he’s missed a beat. He’s in fine form. He’s had to day it the hard way.

Matthew Cottrell: It’s quite impressive, particularly when you think that he didn’t start when he was 18. He was a tradie from Frankston who didn’t have the greatest habits but has come a long way. Maybe that’s why I have a few things in common with him - growing up in the same area, we both had a lot to learn… and didn’t learn much.

Jacob Weitering: He’s a bit older than a few of us - we call him ‘Fossil’ - but to play 150 games of AFL football and to already have his number on the No.24 locker, it’s very cool to see. I’m shattered I can’t be out there, but I’m really proud of him and hopeful the boys can do a job for him.

Lachie Cowan: He probably needs to grow up a bit, he’s a bit past it. He’s 42 now but still tries to get into the chat with the young guys. I’m a bit confused - what’s the milestone? 50th birthday or 150 games?

Jacob Weitering: I reckon he’s still the dad of two or three boys, and I believe two of them are also speaking in this segment. He’s a wise mentor that can still play football very well.

Lachie Cowan: He can still be Dad at times, but I think of him more as a colleague. It’s funny when he says I need to mature, because a lot of off-field stuff comes from ‘Newy’. I just do what he tells me to do, the 42-year-old that still hasn’t matured one bit.

Matthew Cottrell: He’s still trying to hang on as the dad of a few. He’s starting to dress like them now, starting to wear the baggy pants like Cow and Matt Carroll and trying to be 20 again. I think he’s going to be 43 next year.

Lachie Cowan: I don’t reckon I would’ve said much. His lovely partner Samantha was a lot more welcoming than Nic was, she welcomed me into their house. In all seriousness, they were very good to me: He took me under his wing, showing me the ropes. I saw how he went about it… and then tried to steer clear.

Matthew Cottrell: I lived with him for about three nights, but there’s plenty of stories that he’s put plenty of mayo on. We had a great chat, played some 2K, and then he fell asleep on the couch with his dog lying on his chest - I snapped a photo, said ‘Cute’ and posted it. The way he tells it now, it was like we’d never spoken before, that I broke into his room and took a photo of him sleeping. Then when Kempy was living with him, the way Newy would tell the story, it was like Brodie would basically have a whole loaf of bread every day. In reality, Kempy probably had two slices of toast.

Jacob Weitering: [Is Nic Newman the greatest former Mt Martha Junior Football Club representative in the AFL?] No, he’s probably not even on the podium. Lachie Whitfield is one, and then there’s another guy with a wing named after him down there. He’s a fair bit older than me, so I can only assume he was the big bully on pie nights on Sundays after the local home games. I didn’t have too many run ins with him, and I’m probably glad I didn’t.

Lachie Cowan: He’s pretty grumpy. You’ve got to get him at the right moments for him to have some fun. A select crew can get him, or select moments in the day - I think I’m in that crew. He loves me. I’m one of Newy’s best mates - and he’s a colleague of mine.

Jacob Weitering: He’s one of the best connectors I’ve had at this club - considering I’m probably at the other end of the spectrum, he’s been able to bring people like me along. He makes everyone feel welcome, and that’s not a trait many have. He’s been Best Clubman three times and maybe could’ve even won it a few times more: he’s one of the glue guys, and when he’s out there playing, we’re a better team for it.

Matthew Cottrell: He does make footy fun. He can have a laugh about things once the game is done. He’s vocal out on the field but also pretty good on the lip, similar to Benny Ainsworth. You definitely know he’s out there when you’re playing with him, because he’s either directing traffic or sneaking down to enjoy the celebrations with the forwards.

Lachie Cowan: He’s done a lot for me, and I’ve loved playing with him again - I missed that last year. He’s such a leader on-field and also off it. The way he sets us up on the field is huge, I take everything he says on-board. As a team, everyone plays better when Newy is out there playing. He’s unreal to play with.

Matthew Cottrell: I’ve loved playing with him again. He’s an unofficial mentor for me, a sounding board. Week to week, I can come to him with anything and he puts it pretty simple for me. He’s a leader for us, and it’s like he hasn’t missed a beat this year.

Jacob Weitering: He’s had a different pathway into the AFL, had to work bloody hard just to get a list spot let alone forge a long career and play 150 games. Myself and a few other guys were drafted at 18 and had the opportunity to accumulate games early, but through setbacks and injuries, he’s one of the tougher people I’ve seen.

Lachie Cowan: I respect Newy a lot. I don’t fear him now, but there was definitely fear early. He just looks grumpy - but he’s a big cuddly bear… Don’t quote that.