As inconspicuous as he was when he arrived at the club via pick No. 37 in the 2011 National Draft, the wingman is now a highly regarded member of St Kilda’s on-ball brigade and was one of just four Saints to play every game this year.
This consistency allowed Newnes to place sixth in Friday's best and fairest but he’s far from satisfied with his 2014 campaign despite many labelling his season as a breakout one.
Now 47 matches into his career, the 21-year-old has re-signed until the end of the 2017 as part of Saints Future Fest.
“I’m really happy,” Newnes told SAINTS.com.au.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the group going forward, so hopefully this deal is a sign of good things to come.”
“A lot of the younger lads have signed on so hopefully we can drive it and have a huge year next year.”
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While he spent some time in the midfield, Newnes believes another big summer in the gym will have him primed to play a more permanent role in the clinches next year.“I’m definitely hoping to push more into the midfield,” he said.
“I will have to put a bit of size on again, hopefully a couple of kilos, before we come back and start our running work. But becoming an inside midfielder would be ideal.”
From a leadership perspective, Newnes is prepared to shoulder additional responsibility in the absence of Lenny Hayes next year.
“We’ve obviously got that plan where hopefully we can be pushing for finals by that time (2018), but there is a whole lot of work to be done before then.
“Every second counts at the moment, so we have to be working hard and do the right thing this pre-season… I’ll definitely be driving the group.”
And he has every right to lead the way, even if he doesn’t have an official leadership position, according to St Kilda’s Head of Football Chris Pelchen.
“Jack has shown a real commitment to improvement - both on and off the field,” Pelchen told SAINTS.com.au.
“His leadership among the younger players provides a positive example for others to aspire to."
Midfield coach Adam Kingsley is equally bullish about Newnes’ future at the club following a stellar 2014.
“We are really happy with Jack's development and he became comfortable at the level this season,” Kingsley told SAINTS.com.au.
“Jack works hard, he defends well, he’s a nice kick and he’s an aggressive player.”
VIDEO: Newnes at Mt Martha Lifesaving Club
Newnes averaged 19.9 disposals per game this year, ranked third at the club for total marks and second behind Hayes for tackles and handballs.
He is the fourth Saint to re-commit to St Kilda this week, following in the footsteps of Luke Dunstan, Josh Saunders and Lewis Pierce.
