Newton was forced from the field in agony against Lavington following a tackle in the first quarter, with fears a rupture would sideline him for the year.

The Doug Strang goalkicking medallist had a scan yesterday morning.

"It's a lot more positive than originally thought," he said.

"It's still quite sore and there's a significant tear, but it hasn't fully ruptured, so there won't be any need for surgery.

"I haven't got a full report back yet, but early thoughts are I'll be looking at missing four to six weeks."

Newton said he felt a 'pop' when tackled by Nick Meredith.

He will need to undergo extensive rehabilitation to strengthen the area, with the earliest return expected to mid-June.

Newton's injury means he will miss the league's away interleague clash against Mornington Peninsula Nepean on May 18.

Meanwhile another stalwart of rep football will also miss the clash.

Albury's Brayden O'Hara stepped down from interleague as he strives to overcome a quad injury.

O'Hara has played four of the five years, only missing when his child was born the night before the game against Goulburn Valley in 2017.

"I'm pushing to play this weekend (against Wangaratta), but I'll see if I get through training," he said.