NEW Demon Ben Newton says it was an anxious period when his football future was up in the air during the October/November trade period.

Newton came to Melbourne as a delisted free agent after four seasons on Port Adelaide’s list, having been drafted at No.35 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.

Although the Demons were keen to snap him up, Newton had to wait until after the first list lodgement to join Melbourne, which he said created some nerves.

“Mentally it was challenging, but I had some pretty good support from my manager – he knew what he was doing,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Port Adelaide was very good in handling it as well. It was a bit of an uncertain time, but for anyone it’d be difficult.”

Newton said it was a “mutual decision in the end” to seek opportunities elsewhere after playing four matches with Port Adelaide in 2014.

“The club knew where I stood and I wanted an opportunity and Port was going very well at the time and I didn’t see myself fitting in with that group in the long run and Melbourne showed interest in me,” he said.

“The club looked really good, so I made the move.”

The 22-year-old said he didn’t have any connections at Melbourne before his move, but he quickly adapted.

“I didn’t have any personal relationships with anyone [at Melbourne], so it was a little bit daunting,” he said.

“I know all footy clubs have good blokes circulating through them.

“I was a little bit nervous – it was like rocking up to school on your first day, but everyone was welcoming and they were really easy to get along with.”

And the midfielder who was recruited from South Fremantle and played for Port Adelaide said he had quickly adapted to his new state.

“I love Melbourne. All of the boys and everyone has been really welcoming and I’m living in the city at the moment and exploring that – city life has been really good, so I love it,” he said.

“Moving again is another challenge, but it’s pretty exciting. It’s a great experience.”