Jacob Newton Draft Profile

NorwoodMidfielder-Forward

#17

Jacob Newton

height: 179cm

weight:

D.O.B: 20-03-2006

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “A hard-working small who is tough in the contest and productive both as a midfielder and a forward” – Micah Hann

Jacob Newton may have flown under the radar heading into the 2024 season, but a strong Under 18 National Championships has him firming as a legitimate draft chance come November. The small inside midfielder turned pacy half-forward was a bright spot for an otherwise disappointing South Australian side.

Newton showed off some transferrable AFL skills, proving to be an opportunist in front of goal who was equally committed to applying himself defensively as a pressure forward. The Norwood and Rostrevor product earned the Ron Coleman Award for South Australia’s Best Team Man, capping off a strong carnival in which he also managed six goals, to be South Australia’s second leading goalkicker.

Managing just a handful of games at SANFL Under 18 level as he balanced school football commitments, Newton did his best work for Norwood through the midfield where he proved to be difficult to slow at stoppages, highlighted by a 10-clearance outing in Round 1 against North Adelaide.

Despite spending the majority of his time in the centre of the ground, Newton occasionally rested forward where he was equally dangerous, averaging more than a goal a game. A foot injury kept Newton out of testing at the 2024 National Draft Combine, where he would’ve loved to have shown off his athletic ability, having tested strongly in the 20m sprint and vertical jumps in preseason.

STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands
+ Overheard marking
+ Power
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Speed
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Ceiling
- Size

In a competition that values speed, pressure and scoreboard impact, Newton’s transition from midfielder to impactful forward has opened a pathway to the next level. He combines high-end speed with a thirst for the contest and a commitment to do the work required of a defensive forward.

Despite these traits, he’s not a one-dimensional small forward. Newton is strong overheard for his size, using his leaping ability to meet the ball at the highest point and regularly out-mark taller opponents. He’s clean below his knees and has great goal-sense, often finishing in front of the big sticks with very little time and space. He consistently makes the most of his goal-scoring opportunities, finding the goals in a variety of ways; through set shots, forward 50 stoppages and in open play.

Despite limited opportunities at the National Championships, Newton proved to be equally capable as a midfielder throughout his junior career. Thriving at stoppages, the Redleg proved a capable first possession winner using his speed and deceptive strength to power through contact and create separation from his opponent. A one-touch player whether he’s taking the ball in the air or off the ground, Newton rarely fumbles making him hard to corral. When second to the football, he brings intensity and defensive pressure, making it difficult for his direct opponent to secure clean possession.

Standing at 179cm, you could argue Newton’s lack of size potentially limits his ceiling as a player. However his speed and athletic attributes should allow him to successfully carve out a role at AFL level if given the opportunity. A highly regarded teammate, clubs will value Newton’s team-first attitude and willingness to step into less-heralded roles for the benefit of the team.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie

SUMMARY

Newton’s success this season in a difficult forward half role could propel him onto an AFL list. He’s dependable and possesses all the traits required to be an impactful forward half player at the next level. While the depth of this draft will likely see some unlucky prospects miss out on fulfilling their dreams, Newton has put his best foot forward and will hope that it’s enough to earn himself a chance at an AFL club come November.