I’m out of contract and getting a bit older
- Michael Newton
FOUR Ovens and Murray Football League clubs are believed to be in a tug of war for the services of former Melbourne forward Michael Newton.
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The Border Mail understands Newton’s prized signature is being sought by Wangaratta Rovers, Myrtleford, Wangaratta Magpies and Corowa-Rutherglen.
The Hawks could be in the box seat, with high-flying Newton playing a thirds game there, while he also has family links to the W.J. Findlay Oval.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at SANFL premier Norwood and the lure of coming home to the family farm at Whorouly could be too hard to ignore.
Newton was tight-lipped when contacted by The Border Mail, but if he leaves Adelaide, the O and M is firming as his preferred destination.
“I’m out of contract and getting a bit older,” Newton said.
“I’ve had a good chat to Dad about working on the farm and he’s keen for me to come back one day soon.”
Before his AFL career, Newton played at Ovens and King club Whorouly.
He also played one under-18s game in the O and M for the Rovers.
He was drafted from the Murray Bushrangers to Melbourne with pick No.43 in the 2004 national draft, playing 28 games in seven seasons before being delisted after the 2011 season.
He’s been hit by injuries since joining Norwood, but booted 57 goals in 2014 as the Redlegs won their third straight SANFL premiership.
Newton would be the ideal fit for the vacant Rovers and Roos coaching jobs, but he is likely to do an apprenticeship as an assistant coach first.
If Newton returns to the O and M, he will likely be a five-pointer under next year’s player points system.
Five points are given to a player from a state league, who has played a minimum of five senior games in any of the current or previous three seasons.
