AFL: Carlton’s Jack Newnes reflects on after-the-siren match-winning goal against Fremantle ahead of 200th game

Self-deprecating Blue Jack Newnes won’t ever forget his after-the-siren heroics against Fremantle two years ago. Not only do people regularly ask Newnes about that moment but he says it’s one of the few highlights in a 199-game career that includes 155 at St Kilda. The 29-year-old winger will bring up match No.200 against those same Dockers at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. Newnes might even reflect on that boundary-hugging goal from a downfield free kick, which the AFL later conceded should have been in Michael Gibbons’ hands. “I haven’t had too many really big highlights in my career, so that’s probably the one that stands out,” Newnes said. “I think we have the Saints next week, so it would’ve been a bit strange to go up against the old mob next week for my 200th, so I’m happy to have it against Freo. “I’ve got some pretty fond memories of Optus (Stadium) over there, but they actually got over us last time, so we’ve got a big game ahead.” Only last week Newnes was involved in another controversial score, when his final-term snap was called a goal – which would have cut Richmond’s lead to three points – before being overturned on review. But they are trivialities for a player who worried he might not make it to 200. After being an automatic selection for many years at the Saints, Newnes has spent time at VFL level since crossing to Carlton as a delisted free agent at the end of 2019, including the first month this year. “It’s a massive milestone – and it kind of snuck up on me,” he said. “I hadn’t thought too much about it, because I’ve been in and out of the side since the start of the year and last year, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to get there, but I’m here now and really excited to go up against Freo. “It means a lot to me and once I finish my career, I’ll be really proud of it.” Now Newnes has won his spot back, he wants to tick another career achievement off – playing in his first final. The Blues look a good chance to be there and he wants to go along for the ride. “I find myself in a position I’ve probably never been in,” he said. “We’re playing some good footy, so I’m just loving every minute ... (making the finals) definitely does drive you – it drives everyone at this club. “But we’ve got a lot of tough games coming up towards the end of the year, so it’s going to be challenging but really exciting.”