BEN Newton says he’s back on track and fully recovered from an ankle injury, which interrupted his pre-season.

The utility did not play his first match of the year until round two of the VFL season – round four equivalent in the AFL – after his lead-up had been halted.

But his fourth game for Casey was easily his best performance, notching up 38 disposals against the Northern Blues at Casey Fields last Sunday.

Newton’s game earned strong praise from Casey coach Justin Plapp, who said the former Port Adelaide player was one of the best on ground.

The 23-year-old, who has played 15 AFL games, including 11 with Melbourne, said he felt strong after being on the sidelines.

“The ankle is great now. Since halfway through my rehab in the pre-season, I felt good, so that’s really good. I just had to work really hard,” he told Melbourne TV.

“I’ve had no difficulties, but I’m actually surprised how my fitness has come back.

“I thought that was a major concern and I worked really hard with Misso (Dave Misson) and a few other guys through my rehab process, such as Crossy (Daniel Cross), who even though he has retired, helped, as he is now part of the rehab team.”

Reflecting on his outstanding performance last weekend, Newton said he didn’t realise he accumulated close to 40 disposals

“To be honest, I didn’t really realise I’d played that well until after the game,” he said.

“I was just focusing on playing to a system with the guys that were put together.

“All of the work that I’ve done on the pre-season has helped me get there – back from my ankle [injury], so it turned out to be a good game. I just worked hard and didn’t really concentrate on too much – just solid, consistent football.”

With Melbourne winning by 73 points over the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium last round and Casey thrashing Northern Blues by 107 points, Newton said the confidence was strong around the club.

“Both sides had a pretty good win,” he said.

“We were just really pleased that we played some good consistent football and that goes right throughout the club and to Casey.

“It was a great weekend and personally it was a great weekend too, so there are smiles all well.”