From the start, Nick Haynes has had Jacob Weitering's tick of approval.
And like most on-field decisions made by Carlton's AFL All-Australian defensive general, it's proving correct.
Haynes joined the Blues this season from GWS as an unrestricted free agent. He laughs ruefully about his Carlton debut in their round-one shocker against Richmond, but since then the half-back has shown impressive form.
Coach Michael Voss stresses that their new-look defence is a work in progress. But with Haynes, Mitch McGovern and Jack Silvagni giving support to Weitering, it's coming together nicely under the guidance of backline coach Aaron Hamill.
"When you talk about Jack and Haynesy, and obviously Gov as well, they've formed a very strong relationship," Voss said after Friday night's win over St Kilda.
"They all have that real weapon, about being able to intercept the ball. A lot of teams have put a lot of energy into Weiters, around taking that off him, so he needs support around him - and now he's got it.
"So when Weiters says that he trusts the man - and that's even before a ball has been bounced - you tend to listen to it and back that in."
The Blues were in trouble at halftime on Friday night, with Haynes among several injuries.
He looked dazed after a knock to his neck, but returned after the long break and played out the game well as the Blues pulled clear late for the win.
"I don't know what happened, but I got a little hit in the neck and it got me in a good spot," Haynes told AAP.
"I heard a little crack, but all good. I will be stiff for a few days, but I'm fine ... just a bit of carry-on."
McGovern went to hospital with a chest injury, but one of the key features of the win was teammates such as Adam Cerra and Lewis Young being able to go back and plug gaps.
"That was the best thing, people playing their roles and staying disciplined," Haynes said.
Then there was key forward Harry McKay, who kicked the match sealer to cap an impressive game.
"I used to hate playing against him when I was at the Giants, and I'm pretty glad he's on my team," Haynes said.
The defender is relishing the new chapter of his AFL career, and now he returns to an old stomping ground when Sydney host the Blues on Friday night at the SCG.
As a 211-game Giant, Haynes is completely across what it means to take on the Swans.
"I haven't really thought about that. I remember every Giants-Sydney game was very physical and very tough - chirpy as well," he said.
"I'm not sure what to expect, but I've always played them twice in a year.
"We'll see what happens. It's a massive week - we both need a win."
