The Magpies have been inundated by rumours concerning the Strang medallist's playing future with coach Luke Morgan forced to call for calm.

"Rumours start up and that's what happens," Morgan said.

"I just think we need the games to start so people have got a bit more to talk about which has some substance.

"I'm not sure how the rumours started or why they started but we're just getting on with it.

"'Juice' (Newton) and I have a very positive relationship and he's a strong character within our group."

Newton, who has been an assistant-coach at Wangaratta for the past three years, trained on Tuesday night.

Morgan said the speculation hadn't affected the former spring-heeled Melbourne forward.

"'Juice' has heard it but it's water off a duck’s back according to him," Morgan said.

"He's an assistant-coach and just wants to play football.

"He will be playing good footy late March, early April.

"He hasn't missed a beat at training."

Newton returned to Wangaratta from Norwood and Melbourne in 2016 and has kicked 42, 74 and 81 goals for the Magpies to widely be regarded as the best player in the league.

Last year’s grand finalists will play an intra-club practice match on March 2 before taking on Kyabram and Yarrawonga on March 16 and 23.