The former Melbourne forward said the likes of Dylan van Berlo, Jade Cleeland, Hugh Amery and Brad Melville had impressed in the early stages of the pre-season.

“It's been great working with some of our younger players,” he said.

“They're all putting their hands up every session and having a crack.

“I'm confident they'll be able to make the step up into senior footy, they've had plenty of success in the thirds in previous seasons.

“Some of them come ready-made for the senior side, it's great that a number of them have been given opportunities in the past.”

Newton said he was relishing his role as forward-line mentor.

“It's been a bit of an adjustment, getting used to the Ovens and Murray style,” he said.

“Working on the farm usually takes 55 to 60 hours out of my week.

“The good thing is that footy is footy, no matter where you go.

“Having a bit of extra responsibility with a bit of coaching has been a nice change as well.

“I think the club has shown a few good signs in the time I've been here, but we'll know a little bit more once the season gets underway.

“We get down to Seymour every fortnight for a combined training session with the guys who will travel up from Melbourne.

“Everyone has been up and about so far.”

Wangaratta will get their season underway under lights against the Wodonga Raiders on March 25.