Beloved Carlton clubman Nic Newman will take no further part in Carlton's crucial clash with the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday, succumbing to a hamstring injury very early in the contest.

It's a bitter blow for the defender, souring a day of celebration, as the former Swan took to an AFL field for the 150th time.

Newman has been among the Baggers' best this season, after the now-departed Michael Voss sorely missed him last season. Newman suffered a ruptured patella tendon injury in the 2025 pre-season, which cost him the entire campaign.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 29: Nic Newman of the Blues celebrates on the final siren during the round 12 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 29, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 29: Nic Newman of the Blues celebrates on the final siren during the round 12 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 29, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Saturday's match is underscored by its Wildcard Round implications, with Josh Fraser and Damien Hardwick's sides vying for a chance to feature in the game's showpiece month.

Carlton withstood a barrage of Gold Coast Suns' forward 50 entries in the first quarter, going into the first change two points to the good. Newman registered just two disposals before being removed from the contest.

Newman was pictured embracing his family in the rooms after his injury was confirmed.

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