Hewett,who is studying accounting at an online university,finished second in Sydney’s 2019 best and fairest before a back injury derailed his 2020 season. He bounced back to play 21 games in last year as the Swans surged up the ladder,playing an effective rather than starring role in Sydney’s midfield.

The Blues recognised that he and Adam Cerra,who arrived from the Dockers at the same time,could add more than just running power to Carlton’s midfield.

“He just eats up hard work,he turns up every session and has got a real purpose about him,a genuine country kid who just gets to work,” Clarke said.

Hewett understands that the best midfield groups must complement each other and is prepared,along with his teammates,to play a variety of roles. Although he built his reputation as a stopper,his repertoire is wider.

“My best attribute is getting after the footy,” Hewett said.

“I’ve done a few roles. I’m working hard on hurting the opposition,so I try to do that while being strong defensively as well.”

But his ethos is selfless,so he was just as happy for Matt Kennedy to kick two goals from 37 touches in the Community Series match against Melbourne while Patrick Cripps racked up 30 and four goals.

However,by the time Richmond rolls around on Thursday,that effort will be long forgotten as the Blues attempt to break a round-one drought that stretches back to 2012.

Hewett played in front of 99,981 people in the 2016 grand final,so he knows what comes with big crowds. But thought of donning the navy blue and facing the Tigers in front of a packed MCG will be another experience altogether.

“My mind has gone there,” Hewett said. “[We’ve] trained pretty hard for four or five months.

“Myself,and everyone else,are pretty pumped for it.”

Sign up for The Age Real Footy newsletter