The Demons snare promising fringe Power midfielder.
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Melbourne have claimed former Port Adelaide midfielder Ben Newton as a delisted free agent.
The 22-year-old made his debut and played in four matches for the Power in 2014, but shone in the SANFL.
Newton struggled to break into a talented Power midfield and decided to pursue his opportunities elsewhere.
Melbourne general manager of player personnel Todd Viney said the club had been keeping watch of Newton for a considerable period of time.
“He was one of those players that we identified to watch after being an elite junior [footballer]. We watched him pretty closely and monitored his form over the last period,” he said.
“He did some things that really caught our eye.”
Viney said the Demons were particularly impressed with Newton’s clearance work.
“He’s got a great ability to take the ball cleanly from stoppage and get out of traffic well,” he said.
“He’s a left footer who has a bit of time, he has some nice foot skills and he’s a goalkicking mid, which is always a good attribute to have. But he’s a natural finder of the footy – he can find the ball well.”
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