Ben Newton Joins Subiaco

 

Newton an accomplished midfielder with the ability to feature both inside and outside, played 17 AFL games across six seasons, four seasons with Port Adelaide and two seasons with Melbourne.

 

Newton was a highly credentialed junior and colt player, being picked up as pick 35 in the AFL National Draft of 2010 by Port Adelaide.

 

Injuries curtailed his time at Port Adelaide, however he was able to make an AFL debut in round seven of 2014 and played four games in the 2014 season.

 

After coming to Melbourne as a delisted free agent in 2015, Newton produced his best season at AFL level in his first year as a Demon. He debuted for the club in round one and played 11 games across 2015 averaging over 15 possessions as well as a goal a game. 

 

An ankle injury limited his 2016 season, with Newton delisted by Melbourne at the end of the 2016 season.

 

During his time on an AFL list, Newton had proven to be a dominant player at state league level. In 2016 Newton had a 37 possession, 2 goal game playing for Casey Demons followed up by a 32 possession, 18 tackle game a week later. While on Port Adelaide’s list Newton had a 33 possession, 14 clearances and 10 inside 50 game.

 

After taking a year off in 2017 to focus on getting his body right as well as focusing on business interests outside of football, Newton looks set to return to football in 2018 in full fitness and keen to show the form that saw him perform at the highest level. 

 

“The body feels good and I’m really looking forward to pre-season which will be the real test,” Newton said.

 

The decision to make the move to Subiaco was made easier with Newton having relationships with a number of individuals from around the club.

 

“I am mates with Aaron Heal so will be nice to play with him and know some of the guys like Jordan Lockyer and Gus Litherland through footy,” Newton said.

 

“It’s exciting to be a part of Subiaco and I have just been really impressed with the culture of the club.”

 

Football Manager Daniel Vidovich was excited to add a player of Newton’s calibre early in the off-season and expects Newton to have a strong impact for the Lions in 2018.

 

“It’s great to get a player of Ben’s ability and character into our program,” Vidovich said.

 

“We identified him as someone who will offer a lot to our program and playing group. It’s nice to make such a crucial signing early in the off-season as we look to focus our energies on improving our list for 2018.” 

After falling in the Grand Final of both the 2016 and 2017 WAFL seasons, Subiaco are focused on rebounding in 2018 and Newton promises to be a key player as Subiaco aim for a fifth straight finals appearance under coach Jarrod Schofield.