Jacob Newton commits to Norwood

Jacob Newton headlines a list of last year’s U18s who have committed to Norwood for the 2025 season.

Newton, has joined Norwood father-son Jack Michalanney, ruckman James van Wyk, Anthony Mustaca, Jake Hill and Levi Johnston for their first pre-season at Senior level at Norwood.

“It’s been great to welcome and integrate these first year players into the Senior Program at Norwood,” Norwood General Manager of Football Richard Kelly said.

“They have all been going very well, and fans will have the chance to see more of these players across the next few weeks at training and as we get into Trial Matches.”

Newton has been on a limited program as he continues to rehab a foot injury.

“Jacob’s been recovering from a foot injury, which hampered him throughout the back end of last season,” Kelly said.

“His rehab is going well and we are hopeful he will be ready for Round 1, or at least in the first few weeks of the season.”

These players have come through the junior program at Norwood, but the club has also welcomed interstaters Liam Ling (Tasmania Devils), Connor Ling (Tasmania Devils) and Charlie Cook (Bendigo Pioneers) who also entering their first year of Senior football in 2025.

Norwood Talent Manager Craig Roberts said it was an exciting time for the club and these U18 players coming through.

“These boys join a long list of Norwood juniors that have integrated into the Senior Program in recent years,” he said.

“Our club puts a great deal of effort across our Metro and Regional Zones to prepare and produce players for Senior football at Norwood. Players like our captain Jacob Kennerley, the Heard brothers, Alastair Lord and Cooper Murley have all came through that pathway at the club. Junior players make up about half our Senior list which is a real positive.

“Supporters should be super excited by the likes of Jacob Newton, who’s been one of the best talents coming through the Norwood pathway in recent years. He was close to having his name read out on Draft night, but it didn’t fall his way due to the unfortunate timing of this foot injury.

“His attitude has been outstanding since the Draft and it’s great to see that he’s committed to Norwood for the season ahead.”

The club also has Jim Kelly, Fergus Myall, Will Prescott, Balyn O’Brian and Noah Daw in the 2025 State U18 Program, and they will also spend some time with Norwood’s Senior Men’s group as well as the U18s throughout the pre-season.