IT'S A case of déjà vu for Melbourne recruit Ben Newton, who says the Demons' position resembles that of his former club Port Adelaide before it emerged from football's wilderness.
Port has turned its fortunes around in astonishing fashion since finishing 14thin 2012, and will enter season 2015 as a genuine premiership threat.
Newton spent four years with the Power before joining the Demons last October in pursuit of increased opportunity.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been impressed by the training standards and spirit at Melbourne, comparing them to what he saw at Alberton right before Port began its push back up the ladder.
"Coming from Port Adelaide, I see a lot of similarities to where Port Adelaide was and where Melbourne is now," he told the club website.
"There is good intent from everyone and positive energy.
"Training standards have been really good, so I'm looking forward to (the season)."
Newton secured an AFL debut last year but was frustrated, with the quality and strength of the Power's on-ball brigade limiting him to just four games.
His lack of regular senior football was hardly a reflection of his form.
The West Australian finished the year as one of the star performers in the SANFL, finishing runner-up at the Magpies' best and fairest and winning the Power's Fos Williams Memorial Trophy as the club's most dedicated player.
His career at Melbourne has only just begun, but Newton is determined to significantly add to his AFL games tally.
"It's just the start and we've still got a long way to go, so we'll just keep on improving and progressing, but so far they've (the coaches) been pretty happy," he said.
"I want to play every game."
