Leigh Newton was born on 25 March 1976 and is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League.
18 Facts About Leigh Newton
1.
2.
Leigh Newton was struck down by injuries the next two seasons, which resulted in him not playing a senior match.
3.
Leigh Newton is originally from Whitfield, a small town of around 200 people, located near Wangaratta in north-eastern Victoria.
4.
Leigh Newton had an impressive pre-season; his track work was described as "stunning", he put on a lot of muscle and he played well in intra-club practice matches.
5.
One week after being drafted, Leigh Newton played in Melbourne's only 1997 Ansett Australia Cup match, a loss to Carlton.
6.
Leigh Newton made his AFL debut in round 3 against Sydney, kicking a goal with his first kick.
7.
Leigh Newton remained in the side for the next two matches before being dropped for round 6.
8.
Leigh Newton was back in the team the following week against Fremantle and his performance was described as "encourag[ing]".
9.
Two weeks later, Leigh Newton kicked two of Melbourne's three goals in a big loss to Port Adelaide.
10.
In round 10, after playing in five consecutive losses to begin his career, Leigh Newton played in his first AFL victory in a match where he was occasionally a tall target in Melbourne's forward line.
11.
At the halfway mark of the season, Leigh Newton's "encouraging" form was described as one of the few good points of the Demons' disappointing season.
12.
Leigh Newton missed the next three games after his first win, but was recalled to the side in round 14 and remained in it until round 20, kicking three goals in the seven matches.
13.
Leigh Newton was injured in the round 20 game against West Coast and subsequently missed the rest of the season.
14.
Leigh Newton played in a practice match against Fremantle and was considered to be on track to play in round 1.
15.
Leigh Newton nominated for the pre-season draft, but went undrafted and so retired from football.
16.
In 2003, Leigh Newton was appointed Melbourne's media manager, a role he filled for six seasons.
17.
In conjunction with his media responsibilities, Leigh Newton became the Demons' ruck coach in 2008.
18.
Leigh Newton left the Demons at the end of 2008, becoming the ruck coach at Hawthorn and public relations and marketing executive at the Moonee Valley Racing Club.