DID Simpson medallist Michael Newton shrugged off lingering injury doubts to play a match-winning role in the Magpies’ win over Albury.
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After being plagued by hamstring problems in the lead-up to the decider, Newton declared himself fit and backed it up with eight goals.
“It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster but I knew on Tuesday I was right,” Newton said.
“On Thursday, it was a bit of a freshen up.
“I was a bit nervous at training on Thursday, but I got through and I’m so glad I did.
“There is no better feeling than this.
“It was a great effort by the boys as Albury were coming strong at us.
“I was only really confident of winning at the 23-minute-mark.”
Newton is Wangaratta’s first winner of the Did Simpson Medal since Sam Higgs (2008) and Ed Clarke (2007).
The former Melbourne player made the most of the Magpies’ midfield dominance by kicking three goals in the opening quarter opposed to a helpless Simon Thomas.
“We got on top early in the midfield and used the ball well,” he said.
“It was good to hit the scoreboard and kick straight.
“Albury were always going to come at us and we needed to put early pressure on.
“For me to kick eight goals is the reward for everyone’s effort up the ground.
“That’s where it was won.”
Newton, who re-injured his hamstring in the final quarter, lined up deep in attack with Josh Porter with Tom Whittlesea playing further up the ground.
His highlight reel included a sensational dribbling goal during the third quarter.
“I got a bit lucky there,” he said.
“It was one of the those things that went out way.
“I could have 10 more cracks at it and the ball wouldn’t bounce that way again.”
Newton rated the win alongside his debut for Melbourne in Neale Daniher's final game as coach in 2007 and playing in Norwood’s 2015 premiership.
“It’s right up there with anything I’ve done in footy,” he said.
“It’s a great effort by the whole club.
“There are a lot of young blokes in the side and this is just the start for the footy club.”
Coach Dean Stone was glowing in his praise of the captain.
“I thought Michael was just unbelievable today,” Stone said.
“That’s what leaders do.
“He led from the front and I can’t say enough about him.”
While Wangaratta had no trouble hitting the scoreboard, Albury struggled with Michael Bordignon holding Josh Mellington and Frazer Dent winning his battle with Kumar Uthayakumar.
