ROOKIE Nic Newman's outstanding NEAFL season has earned him a new two-year deal with the Sydney Swans and a spot on the club's senior list from 2017.
Newman has spent the past two years on the Swans' rookie list after being recruited as a 21-year-old from VFL team Frankston at the end of 2014.
The 23-year-old left-footer was recently named in the 2016 NEAFL team of the year and won the Andrew Ireland Medal for best on ground in last Sunday's NEAFL grand final, after finishing with 35 disposals, seven rebound 50s and two goals in the Swans' four-point loss to Greater Western Sydney.
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Newman was rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him at the Swans until the end of 2018.
"Nic had a really challenging first year at the club. He actually injured his knee in the final training session before last season's rookie draft and had an interrupted pre-season," Swans football manager Tom Harley said.
"It's fair to say we put it to Nic this year and said, 'It's really important for you to make sure you have a really strong off-season and give yourself the best opportunity'. And he did that.
"He really didn't miss a beat in the NEAFL, he has had a fantastic season."
The attacking defender has yet to make his senior debut, but played in the Swans' NAB Challenge games against GWS and Carlton this season, impressing with 19 possessions against the Blues.
In the NEAFL home and away season he averaged 27.5 possessions a game and kicked nine goals.
Harley said Newman had been considered for senior elevation this year but fellow Swans rookies Tom Papley and Harry Marsh had edged him out.
Next season, the Victorian won't have to wait for an opening on the senior list to press for his AFL debut.
"Nic is really excited at the prospect that, by not being on the rookie list, he'll have a clear run at senior selection," Harley said.
"This gives him the best opportunity to have a real crack at an AFL career."
Harley said Newman had worked closely with Swans NEAFL coach Rhyce Shaw to improve the defensive side of his game.
Newman won the Fothergill-Round Medal in 2014 as the VFL's most promising young player.
