Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

The George Hewett Carlton selection bombshell on Wednesday night has sent shockwaves through the AFL community as the Blues prepare for their high stakes Gather Round clash against the Adelaide Crows. Michael Voss and the Carlton Blues coaching staff made the difficult call to omit the reigning best and fairest winner despite his statistically solid performance last week. This decision comes at a time when the club sits at a precarious 1-3 record and desperately needs a win in South Australia. The move is seen as a clear signal that the coaching group is demanding a different output from the senior players.

John Longmire, the premiership winning coach of the Sydney Swans, expressed his total disbelief at the news regarding his former player. Having coached the hard working midfielder for six seasons, Longmire described the decision as unexpected given the player's reputation for reliability. He noted that the move likely signals a major shift in how the club wants its engine room to function on match day. Longmire emphasized that he holds the midfielder in the highest regard as a person and a professional.

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A Statement Piece at Ikon Park

The statistics from last week’s loss to the North Melbourne Kangaroos further highlight why many observers were caught off guard. George Hewett led the Carlton Blues in both total disposals with 22 and tackles with seven. While his overall season averages have dipped compared to his career high 2025 form, his output remained among the best for the struggling side. This makes the omission a bold tactical play by Michael Voss as he looks for a spark.

Melbourne Demons legend Garry Lyon described the omission as a "statement piece" that would force the rest of the playing group to sit up and take notice. He suggested that Michael Voss would not have made such a major call on a whim without a specific coaching issue in mind. If a player as respected as the reigning club champion can be dropped, it sends a clear message that no one is safe from the selection axe. Lyon believes this jolt to the system could be exactly what the club needs.

Tactical Shifts and Longmire's Perspective

John Longmire elaborated on his "salt of the earth" description of his former on baller during his appearance on AFL 360. He insisted that the decision could not have been based on a lack of effort or professional standards. Instead, he concluded that the Carlton Blues are likely seeking a different athletic profile or tactical look for their starting center bounce rotations. Longmire was adamant that the player remains an A-grade person for any locker room.

"The only conclusion I could come to would be they’re trying to change up their midfield mix," Longmire stated while discussing the move. He noted that rewarding hard work is usually a priority for coaches, which makes this specific omission even more intriguing to external observers. Fans will be watching closely to see who takes the vacancy in the starting rotation on Thursday night. You can find more details on the Official AFL Website regarding the full team sheets for all Gather Round fixtures.

Impact on the Midfield Group

The vacuum left by the best and fairest winner will be a major test for the depth of the Carlton Blues roster. George Hewett has been a cornerstone of their contested ball winning ability since moving from the Sydney Swans. Without his presence, the pressure increases on stars like Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh to dominate the clearances against a hungry Adelaide Crows outfit. The team must find a way to maintain its physical presence in the middle without its leading tackler.

If this tactical gamble pays off, Michael Voss will be hailed for his bravery in making the tough calls required to save a season. However, a loss in Adelaide without one of their most reliable senior heads could intensify the noise surrounding the club. The AFL world now waits to see if this jolt to the system provides the energy the team needs to turn their 2026 campaign around