Emerging midfielder Nic Newman is continuing to play on the edge as he strives to maintain his position in the side for the finals series.

Newman has played 19 games this season after breaking through for his debut in Round 2 against Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The 24-year-old has shown an ability to play across half back or through the midfield with his good decision making and silky ball use standing out.

Newman said it was advantageous for him to be playing without his spot locked in from week to week.

“Something that has held me in good stead this year is playing on the edge and understanding that I am still trying to establish myself in this game,” Newman told Radio Sport National.

“There are guys that are ready to take my spot and we only have about two guys on the injury list at the moment.

“I am really keen to keep my spot in the team.

“I have full confidence in myself to play a role and contribute week to week but I have tried to use it to my advantage in terms of playing for my spot every week.”

After starting the season 0-6 it was a simple message from the coaches that turned the season around for the playing group.

“The thing that we have been able to do is turn our form around and play a brand of footy that we can play every week,” he said.

“We have tried to just play that high pressure, contested footy.”

Newman has no concerns his side will be ‘burnt out’ from having to play such high intensity football since Round 7 in order to make the finals.

“It is pretty simple that if you go out there, player your role, get after them defensively and pressure them then that has been the hallmark of our games since we turned it around.”

“It is a pretty easy roadmap to follow and back up each week no matter who we play.

“It is about executing it and having 22 guys that can go out there and do it but it is definitely something we think we can go out there and back up every week.”

Want to send a message to Nic Newman? Simply click here to head to our Fan Mail section and send a message to any player in the side during the 2017 finals series.