JACK Newnes is well aware it’s time to start delivering consistent performances.
 
Now in his third season and with 27 games under his belt, the 21-year-old collected a career-best 26 disposals and four clearances in the Saints seven-point win over GWS.
 
“I definitely feel fitter and stronger,” Newnes told SAINTS.com.au. “I’ve got a lot more confidence which is good. I definitely need to start contributing and I think I’ve been doing that the first couple of rounds so hopefully I can keep going.”

In round one he finished with 19 possessions and stepped up in the absence of Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes and Jack Steven.
Though Newnes’ own form satisfies him, it’s the team’s recent success that pleases the skilful ball-winner most.
 
“We talked about belief before the game. We definitely have belief in ourselves. We are feeling really fit. We just had to put pressure on and put the heat on and when we did that, they started to fumble and we started to win it and get it forward.”

This confidence was most evident in St Kilda’s remarkable third quarter turnaround, when goals to Sean Dempster, Eli Templeton and two majors to Nick Riewoldt in the space of five minutes turned the game on its head.

“I thought it was just the guys in the middle really cracking in. They had a lot of tackles, won the contested ball and our forwards were producing as well,” Newnes said.

While Beau Maister and Rhys Stanley both created contests in the forward line, and Tom Hickey booted three goals, it was Nick Riewoldt’s efforts that drew praise from Newnes, who continues to marvel at his skipper’s incredible work-rate and marking abilities.

“It’s not too bad [looking up and seeing Riewoldt] because you know he’s going to take it. If you see him have any split you kick it to him because he always takes them. He was awesome today – unreal. “
You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32