Blake Howes got his debut in 2024 after a frustrating run of injuries over the two prior years.  In 2024, Howes played as a mid-tall defender   

played 16 games 

averaged 14 disposals per game 

Imv his best game was shown in the high of 22 possessions in Rd23 win over the suns , including 10 marks 

a year to settle in and show he belongs 👏👏

Howes should continue his confidence to develop and become a regular.  He fits in.  He could either be a floating defender or alternatively might return to his original design as a half forward with good movement, skills, marking and goalkicking.  There is a space there with ANB’s departure. He’s athletic. At 192cms, he’d have some aerial ability to be dangerous.  He could play a role like Hayward at the Swans.   I think he can be the new athletic HFF in 2025 and beyond.  

MELBOURNE will start talks to lock in versatile tall Blake Howes to a new deal.

The 2021 draftee is coming to the end of his deal at the Demons, which runs until the end of this season, but discussions are set to kick off to extend his stay at the club.

Howes has managed 20 appearances across the 2024-25 seasons. 

Melbourne selected Howes with its second pick (No.39) in the 2021 draft pool after snapping up Jacob van Rooyen with its first-round selection that year. 

Howes has been in strong form in the VFL, averaging 24 disposals this season, as he pushes for a recall to the senior line-up. – Callum Twomey

Really hope the Dees give a new contract deal for Blake Howes. He’s got the talent but in my view, he hasn’t been given the opportunities like others.

He was impressive at Casey across 2022 and 2023 but injuries prevented him from getting his chance.

In 2024, he was very good across defence and showed himself as one of the good young under 22s in our team.

Now in 2025, he was in, sub, out, in, out, emergency, emergency. He seems stuck as too good for VFL but not given the chance again at AFL. I hope we re-sign him and not let ourselves see another Bedford or JJ situation.

Note - I’d like to see him trialed also across half forward. That’s where he also excelled in his underage footy. And he know how to kick a goal !!!

1 minute ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Really hope the Dees give a new contract deal for Blake Howes. He’s got the talent but in my view, he hasn’t been given the opportunities like others.

He was impressive at Casey across 2022 and 2023 but injuries prevented him from getting his chance.

In 2024, he was very good across defence and showed himself as one of the good young under 22s in our team.

Now in 2025, he was in, sub, out, in, out, emergency, emergency. He seems stuck as too good for VFL but not given the chance again at AFL. I hope we re-sign him and not let ourselves see another Bedford or JJ situation.

Note - I’d like to see him trialed also across half forward. That’s where he also excelled in his underage footy. And he know how to kick a goal !!!

After seeing Howes kick a very impressive running goal against the Swans, I tend to agree with you SONS. He certainly knew where the gap between the sticks was. Down back he tends to panic sometimes, but he looked so confident during that run, bounce and goal.

18 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Really hope the Dees give a new contract deal for Blake Howes. He’s got the talent but in my view, he hasn’t been given the opportunities like others.

He was impressive at Casey across 2022 and 2023 but injuries prevented him from getting his chance.

In 2024, he was very good across defence and showed himself as one of the good young under 22s in our team.

Now in 2025, he was in, sub, out, in, out, emergency, emergency. He seems stuck as too good for VFL but not given the chance again at AFL. I hope we re-sign him and not let ourselves see another Bedford or JJ situation.

Note - I’d like to see him trialed also across half forward. That’s where he also excelled in his underage footy. And he know how to kick a goal !!!

You’re not the first to suggest he gets a go forward.

Blake Howe’s has developed into a reliable, and near prolific half back at VFL level. He is confident in his ability and is providing leadership for the Casey group. He is close to a re-entry to AFL level.

Edited June 5Jun 5 by waynewussell

As much I have criticised some of Howes' work over the past year or so, I thought the Freo game was one of his better efforts at AFL level. Therefore it is disappointing that he hasn't been able to work his way back into the squad since then.

If the club is convinced Blake's future is as a defender, they really need to have a look at Salem's position, particularly once finals are out of the equation. Other than racking up cheap little possessions, I don't think Salem is offering much as a defender, or as a creative option.

I would also like to see Howes get a run up the ground at some point - let's face it, he couldn't offer much less than Sharp or Spargo at this point.

14 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

You’re not the first to suggest he gets a go forward.

I think I might be.😉

Edited June 5Jun 5 by Redleg

19 minutes ago, Redleg said:

I think I might be.😉

He had his cards marked when he got turned inside out by Harley Read I suspect

1 hour ago, jnrmac said:

He had his cards marked when he got turned inside out by Harley Read I suspect

Ha ha Harley Read would turn most young players inside out he is an exceptionally talented player. I look at it slightly differently, would Blake Howes improve our bottom 6-8 players, I suggest that he would and therefore should be in the 23.😁👍

Defensively Howes is a liability, regularly lead to the footy by his man, ineffective in the air (compared to Lever who is the same size and build) and not strong enough in the tackle, he's a ball in hand footballer but does he A) find it enough at afl level to maximise his useage or B) use it better than May, Bowey, Salem McVee who currently are responsible for moving it out of defence?

If its a lockdown spot thats their for the taking then next year AMW will be back ahead of him there as well, plus Windsor has spent time there. Not my cup of tea and if we were to resign him it should be for 12 months at best, but I'd prefer to see Sestan get an AFL chance to see how he compares to the level compared to Howes who we know what we get with when he plays.