WRFL Division 1: Yarraville-Seddon signs ex-captain Gareth Newton

WRFL Division 1 outfit Yarraville-Seddon has been bolstered by the return of big name, while coach Brad Julier assesses the Eagles start to the season.

Gareth Newton celebrates a goal during his last stint at Yarraville-Seddon. Picture: Kylie Else

Yarraville-Seddon has received a boost after an encouraging opening month of the Western Region Football League season with ex-skipper Gareth Newton returning to the club.

Keen to test himself at a higher level after the Eagles’ 2016 Division 2 grand final defeat, Newton made the move to top-flight outfit Spotswood.

His three seasons with the Woodsmen brought 49 senior games, with Newton named in the best 13 times from 20 appearances in 2017.

The key defender was set to take a break in 2021 after moving to live near Geelong, but has opted to finish his career at Yarraville-Seddon.

“Obviously that’s something we probably lack a little bit, just a bit of experience and leadership,” Eagles coach Brad Julier said.

“When he spoke to us and was keen to come back, we definitely welcomed him.

“He comes back with that experience from Division 1 footy. He’s getting towards the end but definitely can add something to us on and off the ground with his experience.

“I think he saw we’re looking very competitive and just that desire to finish at Yarraville.

“There were a few who came back as well like Kev Upton and a few guys he played with who will probably be more reserves players, but there was a group of them who said they’d come back and finish together.”

Newton has spent the past three seasons at Spotswood. Picture: Local Legends Photography

While the recruit will likely take up a role at the defensive end of the ground when available, Julier said Newton’s versatility was an “added bonus”, pointing to his ability to play in the forward half or as a back-up ruck.

Julier said he was unsure if Newton would take the field against Point Cook this weekend given his lack of preparation.

“We’ll see how he’s going fitness wise. He hasn’t done a lot, so we’ll probably manage him through,” he said.

“Whether he plays this week or not, I’m not 100 per cent on that, but desperately keen to get him up and going sooner rather than later.”

The Eagles are 1-3 in their return to Division 1, their sole win coming against Sunshine in the opening round.

They have since suffered defeats to Caroline Springs (45 points), Deer Park (67 points) and St Albans (seven points).

But Yarraville-Seddon has impressed rival coaches and shown it is far from an easybeat despite “a heap of injuries”.

2019 best-and-fairest winner Brandon Lester and key big man Jesse Varsamakis are yet to feature, while Blake Green (one game) and Jack Collins (two) have had interrupted seasons.

“We’ve been more than competitive, but just some crucial lapses at crucial times have cost us games,” Julier said.

“We’re happy, but we’re not resting on that. We want to win some games.”