Gabby Newton has been selected by the Western Bulldogs with pick one in the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft.
The 18-year-old joins the Bulldogs following two prolific underage seasons for Victoria Metro and the Northern Knights.
Newton averaged 16 disposals, four marks and four tackles per game as Victoria Metro went through the 2019 NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships undefeated, earning All Australian selection for the second year running.
The 178-centimetre utility also captained the Knights to the 2019 NAB League Girls premiership, averaging 19 disposals and five tackles per game to claim back-to-back Knights’ best and fairest awards and be named in the NAB League Team of the Year.
This is special! 🤗 When Gabby Newton found out she was our number one pick. #MightyWest
— WesternBulldogs AFLW (@BulldogsW) October 22, 2019
Full video: https://t.co/eLXDPP1VGr pic.twitter.com/3JrH8Ngf0X
A multi-talented athlete, Newton has also starred playing basketball at state underage level.
“We’ve watched Gabby closely in recent years and have seen her thrive in a number of different roles,” said Western Bulldogs AFLW list manager Mick Sandry.
“She has excelled at every challenge put before her along her football journey.
“Gabby is a versatile player who can have an impact anywhere on the ground. Her size and mobility are great assets, but most importantly she is a lovely user of the football and has the ability to bring her teammates into the game.
“She is a great young leader and a person of good character, and we look forward to the contribution she will make to our football club both on and off the field.”
