Newton was the Demons’ third and final selection in the 2004 National Draft, but is yet to crack it for a senior game after a wretched injury run.

The 19-year-old, son of Rod who is a well respected cricket figure in the North East, suffered stress fractures in his back in 2005, but managed to play 10 senior VFL games last season and dominated at reserves level including hauls of nine and 12 goals.

“I really want to have a good year, the pre-season has gone all right, hopefully if all things go right I will get a game in the NAB cup,” Newton said.

“If not I will focus on Sandringham and hopefully cement a senior spot.”

The biggest issue for Newton along with injuries has been putting on weight, but now at 90kg he is close.

“My first issue was injury, I missed about 15 weeks with stress fractures in my back, I missed most of the pre-season and played my first game about round 6 (2005),” he said.

“But since then I have been basically injury free.”

Newton said it was an exciting time at the Demons and feels he is the fittest he has been since being drafted.

“I’ve only missed the one session this year, that was with a bit of groin tightness, so this has been my best pre-season,” he said.

Melbourne coach Neale Daniher is expecting the promising forward to make an impact this year.

“He came to us as a very skinny, immature country boy, he’s slowly maturing and it’s a big year for Michael and he can really make some big steps forward this year,” Daniher said.