St Kilda wingman Jack Newnes has become the third Saint in as many weeks to commit his future to the club, extending his time in red, white and black until at least the end of 2019.
On the back of key forward, Tim Membrey, and emerging midfielder, Jade Gresham, inking two-year extensions in recent weeks, St Kilda added the signature of Newnes on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old produced the best season of his career in 2016, playing every game for the third year in a row, to finish fifth in the Trevor Barker Award after averaging a career-best 23.3 possessions per game.
Membrey inks two-year extension
St Kilda Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Ameet Bains, said the club was thrilled to add the emerging leader to its growing list of signatures, particularly given the rise in improvement Newnes has plotted on a yearly basis.
“We’re really happy to secure Jack for a further two seasons. Not only has he become an integral part of our midfield, but he has grown into a wonderful young leader,” Bains told saints.com.au on Tuesday.
“The club has been really impressed by Jack's commitment since he first arrived here and his improvement over his first five seasons is a testament to the work he puts in."
Gresham in for two more
With 91 games already under his belt, including the last 69 games in succession, Newnes has quickly become a permanent fixture in St Kilda’s best 22.
Bains believes the Victorian midfielder will continue to climb a north-east axis into the future, just like he has done across his first five seasons at Linen House Centre.
“At the age of just 23 and with almost 100 games played, Jack's continuing growth will be a critical part of our rise back up the ladder,” Bains said.
Career snapshot
Pick No. 37, 2011 National Draft
91 games
St Kilda leadership group 2015, 2016
5th in 2016 Trevor Barker Award
