TO MANY he's still that young Melbourne bloke who took that hanger.

But to the red and blue faithful, MichaelNewton may well represent the next generation of Demons forward firepower.

The 20-year-old from Whorouly, nearWangaratta, joined Melbourneat the end of 2004 but it has only been this year, his third at the club, thathe has shot to prominence.

And not just because he used skipper DavidNeitz as a stepladder in round 16 to drag in arguably the mark of the year.

Just 12 months ago Newtonwas battling to keep his spot in the Sandringhamseniors.

He played 10 matches in the VFL in 2006 butjust as many in the VFL club's reserves.

But those at Melbourne always knew the former Murray Bushrangerhad enormous potential, and during eight senior games this season thedevelopment work put in by Demons coaching staff is starting to bear fruit.

"I'm feeling a bit more comfortablewith myself and my spot in the team," Newton told melbournefc.com.au.

"A couple of years ago when I firstgot down here, I was a long way behind the eight ball – physically and mentallyprobably.

"Physically (I was) lighter, andmentally I don't think my training was at the required intensity level.

"The coaches told me I was a bit lazy,so I worked on my mental strength, on my skills and also on my body in the gym."

Newton debuted against Essendon in round 13 and has played every gamesince, showing enough in those matches to suggest he will be a key part of the Melbourne line-up forseveral years ahead.

"As each game goes by you learnsomething," he said.

"When I first debuted I was prettynervous. Now going into games I'm not really that nervous anymore."

Newton has also showed an ability to play further up the ground than somemight have thought him capable.

While the high-flyer looks a long-termattacking option and is enjoying learning from the likes of Neitz and RussellRobertson, Newtonshowed he was more than a one-trick pony against Collingwood when moved onto awing.

After struggling in attack from limitedopportunities, he helped Melbournefight back against the Magpies by winning some crucial possessions through themidfield, finishing the match with 17 touches.

"I was playing down the forward lineand it wasn't coming down that much," he said.

"In the second half I played on thewing. I played on the ball a bit in juniors and at Sandy I played a little bit on the wing.

"So it was good to get a bit of theball, to get up and get involved in the play."

He admits he will probably end up playingmost of his career inside or at least around the 50m arc, but he likes havingthe versatility card up his sleeve should he be starved of the footy.

"I like playing up the ground but Ialso like playing deep in the square," Newton said.