BEFORE making her VFLW debut for Carlton, Gabby Newton had already led her NAB League Girls side (the Northern Knights) to a premiership, represented Vic Metro and made the 2019 AFLW Under-18 All-Australian side.

The 18-year-old picked up where she left off in Navy Blue, picking up nine disposals, seven tackles and a goal in her first VFLW appearance.

Unfortunately, the result didn’t quite go the Blues way, but Newton was still thrilled to play her first VFLW game. 

This weekend, she returns to the fold for her second game as a Blue in the final game of the season.

“Melbourne Uni was a very polished team so it was pretty hard, but I was so glad to get out there and finally play with the girls,” she said.

While out on the ground, Newton immediately noticed some key differences between the VFLW and the NAB League Girls competition.

“It was a bit different to the NAB League, because the bodies were just a lot bigger,” she said.

“The physicality and the speed of the game is just crazy different, but hopefully I can get used to that in the coming weeks and still finish the season out strong.” 

A trip down the highway for the last #VFLWBlues game of the season.

Here's the team for Saturday's game. #BoundByBlue

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 22, 2019

Inside the four walls, Newton has felt nothing but warmth from the Blues, praising both the players and coaches for making the transition from the NAB League Girls competition to VFLW easier.

“It’s such a great environment to be a part of,” she said.

“The girls have been so supportive, and the coaches are really welcoming so it’s been really great.”

What’s made the Navy Blue experience even more enjoyable is having Northern Knights teammate Britney Gutknecht by her side.

Gutknecht also made her debut for Carlton against Melbourne University, before starring as one of her team’s best in the narrow win over Darebin last weekend.

Newton was honoured to be handed the Navy Blue jumper alongside one of her best friends.

“We were shattered when the Knights season ended because we wondered if we were ever going to play together again,” she said.

“But then we remembered we were both here at Carlton, so it’s so good to play with her. She’s such a good player and a legend to be around.”

Newton will continue to learn her craft at VFLW level this weekend, before pushing for selection in the upcoming NAB AFLW Draft. The classy midfielder is tipped to be selected inside the top 10.

VFLW Round 16

Carlton v Geelong

Saturday 24 August, 1:45 pm

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong