AFL 2021: Carlton confirms George Hewett as first signing of Michael Voss’ senior coaching tenure

Sydney midfielder George Hewett has joined Carlton as the first new signing of the Michael Voss era.

Selected with pick 32 of the 2013 draft, Hewett played 120 games for the Swans between 2016 and 2021.

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The Blues tabled an offer for the restricted free agent, which the Swans chose not to match, opening the door for him to join the midfield set-up at Princes Park from 2022.

“We’re delighted to welcome someone of George’s calibre, both as a player and a person, to our football club,” Carlton list manager Nick Austin said.

“It’s so important in the modern game to be able to have depth in numbers in the midfield. George is smart, he’s tough and he’ll do whatever job the team requires.

“He gives us a different look in our midfield group and we think he’s someone our fans will really resonate with given his manic attack on the football.

“We’re always looking for ways to bolster our list and George does exactly that. We’re looking forward to seeing him link up and get to work with his new teammates and our new AFL senior coach Michael Voss when pre-season begins.”

Hewett last appeared for the Swans in their nail-biting elimination final loss to the Giants this season.

The Swans are set to receive an end-of-second-round pick as compensation for the loss of Hewett.

Sydney’s executive general manager of football Charlie Gardiner thanked the 25-year-old for his contributions to the club.

“George is a terrific person and has been a wonderful contributor to our club over the past eight seasons,” Gardiner said.

“He is a great competitor and has been a really consistent player for us over his 120-game career.

“We regard him highly as both a player and person. He has been a very popular and respected player within the four walls of our club.”

Before too long, Hewett could be joined in the Carlton midfield by Fremantle’s Adam Cerra, who has nominated the Blues as his preferred destination for next season.

Hewett follows Jordan Dawson out the door at Sydney. At the conclusion of the Swans’ 2021 campaign, Dawson requested a trade so he could return home to South Australia.

He is yet to land at either Adelaide or Port Adelaide for next season, however.