2015 Player Review - # 19 Ben Newton

[Demonland 70,314]

The clever midfielder from Port Adelaide was good early but his form fell away and he spent time at Casey before coming back late in the season and kicked three goals in the season-ender against the Giants

Games MFC 2015 11

Career Total 15

Goals MFC 2015 11

Career Total 11

Games CSFC 2015 8

Goals CSFC 2015 6

Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 46 votes

[Nasher 33,607]

Pretty disappointing, I thought. Like Michie, is finely balancing on the "almost good enough" line that Riley fell just on the wrong side of. Doesn't look to have the running ability necessary to make it.

Loves a goal, though. Has another year to change our minds.

[poita 3,877]

I expected more from a player in his fourth year in the AFL system. Yes, he can find the goals, but his defensive work is basically non-existent and he doesn't get enough of the football to not contribute defensively as well.

I would expect him to struggle for a game if Petracca comes in and we can land a couple of midfielders in the trade period.

[P-man 13,366]

Cats fans were bitterly disappointed that we snared this guy ahead of them. Knowing little about him I thought we may have had a rough diamond on our hands. Round 1 had me more convinced. Unfortunately Round 1 was something of a high point in his season.

He will pop up and do something that makes you sit up in your seat, then go missing for 20 minutes. I'm really over those kind of players.

There may still be a role carved out for him in the forward line if he can improve his defensive pressure, but I rate Michie well ahead of him in terms of being able to hold down a spot in the side moving forward.

Edited September 20, 2015 by P-man

[JV7 2,348]

I think people are unfairly harsh on Newton on this forum... He probably underachieved on what I expected but I still think we have something to work with. Kicks goals as a midfielde/half forward, didnt rack up huge possessions like many thought he would. People forget he did only have 4 games to his name coming into the season.

[Elusive Tunbridge 795]

Michie clearly ahead of him for mine.

[dazzledavey36 52,896]

I dont think we can afford to go down this track of picking up guys with less then 10 games next to them. The Riley experiment didn't work but i am more then happy to have Newton and Michie on board again as they add good depth. I rate Michie highly and really think there is a spot for him next year if he has a good summer. His last 5 weeks he averaged 20 disposals which is not bad at all.

The last game i thought Newton looked quite dangerous for us up forward. He reads it off the packs well and you have to admit 11 goals from 11 games is a pretty good effort. He definitely knows where the big sticks are.

Another big pre season and who knows.

[Deestroy All 14,262]

I like him when he has the ball - which isn't often enough.

My biggest concern is that he gets pushed off the ball so effortlessly. After 4 years in the system to not have built core stength or know how to use it is a real worry.

I prefer him as depth over most of the others though.

[Young Blood 2,280]

Might be better as a Half forward. I agree with others that his toughness around the ball is just not up to scratch for midfield.

Could be a good player for depth across half forward behind Kent, Watts, Petracca, Pederson if he can build on his intensity especially defensively.

[jnrmac 19,905]

Michie clearly ahead of him for mine.

That's an interesting call. They are about line ball I reckon but I would go with Newton because he is more damaging that Mitchie.

[Forest Demon 4,681]

Needs a big pre season. I like him but he needs to be more consistent.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,387]

I lost interest in him until he kicked 3 goals in the last game - one an absolute ripper.

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

can kick a goal, needs to find more of the footy but when he was dropped we missed his goal kicking ability. When you are a club like us who don't kick many, Newton is very valuable. I believe he will become a good player for us. The best of the second hand bunch we brought in (Vanders excluded as he never played AFL).

[Return to Glory 8,242]

For mine, he offers the equivalent value of Bastinac.

[Young Blood 2,280]

can kick a goal, needs to find more of the footy but when he was dropped we missed his goal kicking ability. When you are a club like us who don't kick many, Newton is very valuable. I believe he will become a good player for us. The best of the second hand bunch we brought in (Vanders excluded as he never played AFL).

Yeah I agree I think he should stick around to add to depth across half forward. Doesn't necessarily need to find a lot of the footy as long as he builds his defensive pressure and when he does find the footy he uses it well ala Kent. Another midfield type player who can find a place across half forward is handy. Averaged 1 goal per game and a decent amount if Inside 50's.

Doesn't mean much but he did play in 4 of Melbourne's 7 wins and again I have to disagree with Poita. While he has been in the system since 2011, he has only played 15 AFL games (4 Port, 11 Melb). Peformed well at Casey as well. He and Michie definately have my support moving into next year to put some pressure on team selection. Both can become important role players which Roos' is always preaching.

Has the skills and is a decent tackler, But he definitely needs to build on his fitness. I think thats key for him moving forward. With better fitness I hope he can improve his intensity around the stoppages.

Can build from here.