Originally from Ivanhoe, Newnham was a rover and started his career well. He was Fitzroy's top vote getter in the Brownlow Medal in just his second season and finished runner up in their Best and fairest that year.
Newnham was a seven time Victorian interstate representative, with games at the 1966 and 1969 Carnivals.
References
Holmesby, Russell and Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers. 7th ed. Melbourne: Bas Publishing.
Victoria (VFL) 26.24 (180) defeated Tasmania 11.13 (79), at North Hobart Oval, 9 June 1966, crowd: 20,047 Victoria (VFL) 16.23 (119) defeated South Australia 7.9 (51), at North Hobart Oval, 11 June 1966, crowd: 23,764 Victoria (VFL) 14.17 (101) defeated Victoria (VFA) 9.7 (61), at North Hobart Oval, 13 June 1966, crowd: 13,969 Victoria (VFL) 15.10 (100) defeated Western Australia 13.7 (85), at North Hobart Oval, 18 June 1966, crowd: 23,368