Newman, 30, resigned as skipper in September after four seasons in the role.
He was replaced by young gun Trent Cotchin in November, and elected not to nominate for the leadership group that includes vice captain Brett Deledio, Jack Riewoldt, Daniel Jackson, Dylan Grimes and Ivan Maric.
Newman says the decision to reduce his own responsibility still sat comfortably with him.
"I've been enjoying my football more than I have in a long time," Newman said on Thursday during the Tigers' Alice Springs community camp.
"I thought it was important I stepped back from the leadership group. I'll go in from time to time if they need me but I think if I was to stay in the leadership group, I think that I might as well stay captain.
"A big part of it is a lot of the responsibilities the leadership group has.
"If I'm going to step back from captaincy, I need to free my mind up completely so I trust the boys to take over and do an extremely good job."
Newman admitted holding the position of captain had taken a toll.
But he said Cotchin had a strong team behind him and predicted he would succeed in the position.
"I think four years was enough time for me. That doesn't mean Trent can't captain until he's 30 years of age but I think it does take a toll," he said.
"That's what the leadership group is for, they've got to try and take a lot of that work load off and I think that's where Trent is in good hands now - he's got a really strong leadership group around him that will help him try and keep fresh and help him concentrate on the task at hand."
The Tigers are in Alice Springs for a three-day community camp ahead of Friday night's clash with the Indigenous All Stars at Traeger Park.
Newman said he had been told to prepare as if he was playing on Friday night but the final team was yet to be finalised.
On Thursday, the former skipper, Bachar Houli, Alex Rance and rookie Ben Darrou visited the community of Areyonga, which lies 230km southwest of Alice Springs and has a population of around 250 people.
They visited the local school, which has 42 children enrolled and teaches in both the native language of Pitjantjatjara and English.
Newman said the players had been humbled by the reception they received from the community, with residents and the school's students turning out in yellow and black.
He also said visiting communities such as Areyonga was important for younger players to understand cultures outside their own.
"It's just very unique to think that this community is probably out of touch a little bit in terms of having the media outlets at their feet, being able to watch TV or grab a newspaper, but still be really passionate about football," he said.
"[Community visits] takes particularly kids out of their comfort zone and they get to experience different cultures and meet different people.
"Every life experience you can get as an AFL footballer I think is a great thing … you certainly take them when they present."
Jennifer Phelan is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenPhelan.
