By Tara Murray
After weeks of speculation, Northern Knights skipper Gabby Newton was selected as the number one pick at the AFLW draft.
Heading into the draft, Newton was seen as one of three possible number one pick choices along with Calder Cannons’ Georgia Patrikios and Geelong Falcons’ Lucy McEvoy.
On Tuesday morning, the Western Bulldogs ended the suspense when they picked Newton as the number one pick.
McEvoy went at two and Patrikios went at pick five.
Newton said it was good to finally know where her footballing future laid.
“This whole lead up to the draft has been crazy,” she said.
“I had no idea what was going to happen, to hear my name, was surreal and I’m so excited.”
Newton said that it had been stressful in the lead up to the draft, which also saw her combing year 12 studies.
She said admits that she wasn’t the easy person to be around.
“My whole family, they are so excited. It’s been such a long lead up, so for them having me stressed out all the time, it’s good for them I’m finally drafted.
“I won’t be so annoying to be around. I’ve probably been a little grumpy at times, I’m not going to lie.”
Newton, who can play midfield or forward, said she was just happy to get to the Bulldogs and play whatever role she could.
Personally, she believes her best position is in the midfield.
Being selected at pick one, cements Newton’s decision to focus on football over on basketball.
While she played both sports this year, it’s football that she loves most.
Newton has played football for most of her life, except for a break for a couple of years in her mid-teens.
She said the break made her realize her passion for passion.
“I’m definitely a better footballer.
Newton was one of three Northern Knights players to be selected by the Bulldogs.
Nell Morris-Dalton was taken at pick six, while Britney Gutknecht was taken at pick 48.
It caps off a big year for all three, who played in a premiership for the Northern Knights, before representing Vic Metro and then playing VFLW.
New Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke said there was one key trait that really stood out with Newton. Burke coached Newton at the under-18 national championships earlier this year.
He said that she could play in a number of positions.
“Gabby has the ability to make the other players in the team better,” he said.
“A lot of players can get a lot of the footy, but they don’t necessarily make people better.
“Gabby is one of the best handballers for male or female that I’ve seen play the game, the way she brings her teammates into the game is a special talent.
Newton said she wouldn’t have long to celebrate.
“I’ll celebrate for a little bit and hit the books tomorrow.”
