MURRAY Newman has been delisted by West Coast ahead of his Decembertrial on a grievous bodily harm charge, but the Eagles have committed toreclaiming the small forward in this month's NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
Newman, who turns 20 next week, was charged after an allegedincident in November 2012 at a Perth nightclub that left a man with severe facialinjuries.
His trial is listed to begin on December 16 in Western Australia'sDistrict Court and is expected to run for three days.
West Coast football operations manager Craig Vozzo said thefact Newman's trial began after this month's NAB AFL Draft had forced theEagles' hand.
"The trial is post-draft and because of the seriousnessof the offence and uncertainty around the outcome, we have had to take the stepof delisting Murray, but have also pledged to support him through theprocess," Vozzo said.
"While we have cut him from the primary list at thisstage, we have committed to keep Murray at the club via the rookie draft.
"We have supported him through a very difficult periodand will continue to do so during the challenging period ahead."
Newman's manager, Jason Dover of Stride Sports Management,told AFL.com.au his client had been buoyed by the support the Eagles had givenhim.
"The football club has been like a second home forMurray and has provided a welcome distraction in what's been a difficulttime," Dover said.
"Importantly, Murray has returned to pre-seasontraining in great shape and is looking forward to repaying the support the clubhas given him."
Newman was the Eagles' first selection in the 2011 NAB AFLDraft, at No. 23 overall, and played four games in an encouraging debut season.
However, Newman did not play a senior game in 2013 afterstarting the pre-season in such bad condition he was beaten by then Eaglescoach John Worsfold in a two-kilometre time trial.
In July, he was given leave from the Eagles after abruptly leavinga WAFL game at quarter-time while playing for Swan Districts.
