PORT Adelaide midfielder Ben Newton has turned down a contract with the club and will test his luck at the NAB AFL Draft.
Newton broke through for his AFL debut this season and played with impressive consistency in the SANFL, finishing second in the club's best and fairest.
He played four premiership-season games for the Power and was regarded as one of their hardest-working players.
The 22-year-old inside midfielder was linked to Geelong throughout the NAB AFL Trade Period.
Power list manager Jason Cripps understood his decision to leave.
“Due to the strength of our midfield, 'Newts' played only six games this year and he has decided to see if there are better opportunities at another club so he will enter the draft,’’ Cripps said.
“We understand and respect his decision.”
Newton's delisting was one of three made by Port as it finalised its list ahead of the draft.
Veteran defender Tom Logan and Lewis Stevenson were also cut, although the club intends to re-draft Logan as a rookie.
Stevenson played 10 games for West Coast before finding his way to Alberton in 2013, when he managed nine games for his new club.
His 2014 season was ruined by toe surgery that saw him placed on the club's long-term injury list.
“Stevo has been a terrific person to have at Port Adelaide but there are always tough decisions to be made this time of year and we wish him all the best,” Cripps said.
“Tommy is a great Port Adelaide person and we see this as the best way of keeping him involved.
“He has played an important role with assisting in developing our younger players."
Meanwhile, rookie Kane Mitchell has been rewarded for two impressive seasons with elevation to the primary list for next season.
Midfielder Brendon Ah Chee has re-signed for 2015.
