The Western Bulldogs today confirmed David Newton as the Club’s new Manager – Next Generation Academy.

Newton joins the Club after 10 years as General Manager – Football Operations at the Western Region Football League, and brings an extensive knowledge of the local football landscape in Melbourne and Victoria’s west.

Newton’s role will focus on improving the current talent pathway offering for participants aged between 11 and 15, with a view to providing an opportunity for the Bulldogs to identify, develop and nominate for drafting of elite talent within its nominated regions of Western Melbourne, Wimmera, Mallee, South West Victoria and Ballarat.

Bulldogs Director of Football Chris Grant welcomed Newton’s appointment.

“David has a wealth of experience in the football operations space but most importantly he has built great relationships with important stakeholders in the west of Melbourne and Victoria.

“We look forward to having him as part of our team, and driving our Next Generation Academy strategy.”

Set up by the AFL earlier this year, the Next Generation Academies assign each Victorian-based AFL club a region in Victoria or the Northern Territory, with the objective of attracting boy and girls who are not currently playing football or are underrepresented in the AFL.

Newton will transition into the role full time from January 2017 but will continue to assist with planning for the Club’s Next Generation Academy while remaining in his currently role at the WRFL.

Newton will also work closely with both the Western Jets and the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup competition – who currently manage and provide the elite talent pathway for young AFL talent between ages 15 and 18 within the above regions.