Casey Demons - offseason 2024/5

[KC from Casey 7,063]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

They've both left the club.

Both returned to local level full time.

That’s most likely the case with Hustwaite who announced that he was heading back to play with Rosebud -

Campbell Hustwaite's raw account of the heartbreaking end to his Collingwood AFL dream

“Now, after a stint at Casey Demons, Hustwaite has made a difficult call of his own, dropping back to local football at the age of 23.

He's returned to Rosebud, where his father, Mark, was senior coach, where his older brother Fletcher is captain, where his younger brother and Hawthorn AFL player Henry also

emerged, and where some of his best mates play.

Some people have told him it's too early for him to leave the VFL. But he answers that recruiters and clubs have been watching him since he was 16 and someone would already have picked him if they thought he was good enough to play in the AFL.

"It's not like I'm some flash in the pan who's come from local footy or I'm this late bloomer," Hustwaite says.

"If I'm still not on a list, l'm a big boy, I can take it. Maybe people think I'm not up to AFL standard."

He says he did everything he could to get drafted out of the VFL and join the long list of players to have made the jump from the state league.

In the end, it wasn't enough.“

Still, you never know. Perhaps, he’s had a change of mind. Why would they keep his name (and Connolly’s) on the list if he’s definitely given up?

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 5,118]

From those in the know, is there anything to be optimistic about with this list as a playing group where our included AFL-listed players can develop and retain, and preferably develop, their capabilities, confidence and ambition?

[spirit of norm smith 16,436]

Why are players leaving Casey? White, Hustwaite, Connolly, Valentine, Steele, Szybkowski. All departed (and after the big loss of Munro at the end of 2023) . 

is it the lack of club identity? What is Casey as a club? 
Springvale Football Club (1903–2005)
Casey Scorpions (2006–2016). 
Casey Demons (2017-present) 

I think they have tried to identify with the Springvale past, but unsure whether that’s been effective.  Only other AFL aligned clubs are Box Hill Hawks & Sandringham Zebras.  At least Sandringham has a direct Coates league alignment and kept its identity.    The remaining VFL Clubs are either AFL reserves teams or standalone clubs.  

is it the lack of opportunity and constant shifting in and out of being included.

Casey needs a squad of players to supplement the AFL players (depth & development)   Currently from last season, in my view, from the remaining squad, only Neocleous, Edwards, Cross, Windsor (Kai) and Freeman are at good player level at VFL standards. I hope these 5 players stay and get good game time in 2025. Casey needs to add 5-6 Coates League youngsters and ADD ex AFL listed players like Gary Rohan, Jai Culley & Cooper Vickery . 

Casey needs to be strong club and have a squad of players to supplement the AFL MFC list. 

[Heart Beats True 1,223]

11 hours ago, Wilson7 said:

List Changes so far

2025 LIST

Jack BEHNK  (2024), 1 game 
Leo CONNOLLY  (2024), 4 games, 1 goal
Paddy CROSS  (2023-24), 10 games, 2 goals
Tyler EDWARDS  (2022-24), 30 games, 9 goals
Tom FREEMAN  (2018-19, 2022-24), 55 games
Roy GEORGE  (2024), 5 games, 4 goals
Andrew GREEN  (2024), 1 game
Max GREGORY  (2023-24), 24 games
Campbell HUSTWAITE  (2024), 2 games, 1 goal
Eddie KING  (2024), 5 games, 2 goals
Brayden LAPLANCHE  (2024), 5 games
Caleb LEWIS  (2024), 3 games, 3 goals
Harvey NEOCLEUS  (2022-24), 23 games, 11 goals
Charlie PETERS  (2023-24), 10 games, 4 goals
Ned MOODIE  (2023-24), 10 games
Tom SHERIDAN  (2023-24), 4 games, 5 goals
Kobe SHIPP  (2024), 2 games
Deakyn SMITH  (2021-23), 44 games
Ziggy TOLEDO-GLASMAN  (2023-24), 4 games, 2 goals
Kai WINDSOR  (2024), 15 games, 3 goals

IN

Deakyn SMITH  (2021-23), 44 games

OUT

Jack BELL  (2021-24), 34 games, 7 goals 
Roan STEELE  (2022-24), 53 games, 19 goals
Mitch SZYBKOWSKI  (2024), 12 games, 3 goals
Ryan VALENTINE  (2022-24), 24 games, 9 goals    
Mitch WHITE  (2015-19, 2021-24), 138 games, 86 goals 

AFL PLAYERS OUT

Ben BROWN  (2021-24), 22 games, 41 goals
Kyah FARRIS-WHITE  (2023-24),  12 games, 1 goal
Lachie HUNTER  (2024), 10 games, 1 goal
Josh SCHACHE  (2023-24), 27 games,  43 goals
Adam TOMLINSON  (2022-24), 32 games   

Deakyn Smith isn’t playing for Casey next season. He’s signed on with Thomastown for 2025 as per the article linked in my prior post.

[Hawk the Demon 987]

I wonder how we get reliable information about Casey and its list? Peter Maynard seems to do a great job down there as the Manager - maybe the administrators can establish a line into him?

[george_on_the_outer 7,590]

24 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Why are players leaving Casey? White, Hustwaite, Connolly, Valentine, Steele, Szybkowski. All departed (and after the big loss of Munro at the end of 2023) . 

is it the lack of club identity? What is Casey as a club? 
Springvale Football Club (1903–2005)
Casey Scorpions (2006–2016). 
Casey Demons (2017-present) 

I think they have tried to identify with the Springvale past, but unsure whether that’s been effective.  Only other AFL aligned clubs are Box Hill Hawks & Sandringham Zebras.  At least Sandringham has a direct Coates league alignment and kept its identity.    The remaining VFL Clubs are either AFL reserves teams or standalone clubs.  

is it the lack of opportunity and constant shifting in and out of being included.

Casey needs a squad of players to supplement the AFL players (depth & development)   Currently from last season, in my view, from the remaining squad, only Neocleous, Edwards, Cross, Windsor (Kai) and Freeman are at good player level at VFL standards. I hope these 5 players stay and get good game time in 2025. Casey needs to add 5-6 Coates League youngsters and ADD ex AFL listed players like Gary Rohan, Jai Culley & Cooper Vickery . 

Casey needs to be strong club and have a squad of players to supplement the AFL MFC list. 

Easy….salary cap.

AFL in 2024 allocated $110,000 as the cap for AFL aligned clubs, and $220,000 for non-aligned clubs.

In simple terms Casey would have about $5,000 to pay all of their players each game. ….about $300 each!!!

In the end the only ones who would play for that amount are players hoping to get noticed. When they don’t, then they head off to suburban leagues.

[spirit of norm smith 16,436]

1 hour ago, george_on_the_outer said:

Easy….salary cap.

AFL in 2024 allocated $110,000 as the cap for AFL aligned clubs, and $220,000 for non-aligned clubs.

In simple terms Casey would have about $5,000 to pay all of their players each game. ….about $300 each!!!

In the end the only ones who would play for that amount are players hoping to get noticed. When they don’t, then they head off to suburban leagues.

Non aligned clubs - $220,000!!! So with about 33-34 on their list, it’s $6500 per player for the season.  That’s unbelievable.  
No way for example that ex AFL player like say Jack Bytel signs at Coburg when SANFL, WAFL & bigger suburban /country clubs can offer up to $5000 per game !!  

Edited November 16 by spirit of norm smith
H

[Diamond_Jim 12,567]

1 hour ago, george_on_the_outer said:

Easy….salary cap.

AFL in 2024 allocated $110,000 as the cap for AFL aligned clubs, and $220,000 for non-aligned clubs.

In simple terms Casey would have about $5,000 to pay all of their players each game. ….about $300 each!!!

In the end the only ones who would play for that amount are players hoping to get noticed. When they don’t, then they head off to suburban leagues.

How to kill a comp... starve it of funds... give it a fixture from hell filled with byes.. zero publicity

Oh well

[Wilson7 2,667]

2 hours ago, Heart Beats True said:

Deakyn Smith isn’t playing for Casey next season. He’s signed on with Thomastown for 2025 as per the article linked in my prior post.

Local footy silly season is in full swing with more than 120 new recruits joining Northern league clubs, including ex-AFL talents.

DEAKYN SMITH (Thomastown)
Ex-AFL talent is heading to Main Street Reserve. Smith was selected by Melbourne as a supplemental selection in 2021. Won the Casey Demons’ best-and-fairest in 2023 but was delisted by the Demons. Spent 2024 at North Melbourne VFL, playing 13 matches, and Doveton in Southern Division 2, making eight appearances. Will return to Casey in 2025 and be aligned to the Bears when available for local footy.

[12345_54321 1,135]

3 hours ago, Heart Beats True said:

Deakyn Smith isn’t playing for Casey next season. He’s signed on with Thomastown for 2025 as per the article linked in my prior post.

Every VFL player has a local parent club. Playing VFL is their priority and they then play local when there is a bye or not selected. 

[KC from Casey 7,063]

On 16/11/2024 at 00:47, Wilson7 said:

List Changes so far

2025 LIST

Jack BEHNK  (2024), 1 game 
Leo CONNOLLY  (2024), 4 games, 1 goal
Paddy CROSS  (2023-24), 10 games, 2 goals
Tyler EDWARDS  (2022-24), 30 games, 9 goals
Tom FREEMAN  (2018-19, 2022-24), 55 games
Roy GEORGE  (2024), 5 games, 4 goals
Andrew GREEN  (2024), 1 game
Max GREGORY  (2023-24), 24 games
Campbell HUSTWAITE  (2024), 2 games, 1 goal
Eddie KING  (2024), 5 games, 2 goals
Brayden LAPLANCHE  (2024), 5 games
Caleb LEWIS  (2024), 3 games, 3 goals
Harvey NEOCLEUS  (2022-24), 23 games, 11 goals
Charlie PETERS  (2023-24), 10 games, 4 goals
Ned MOODIE  (2023-24), 10 games
Tom SHERIDAN  (2023-24), 4 games, 5 goals
Kobe SHIPP  (2024), 2 games
Deakyn SMITH  (2021-23), 44 games
Ziggy TOLEDO-GLASMAN  (2023-24), 4 games, 2 goals
Kai WINDSOR  (2024), 15 games, 3 goals

IN

Deakyn SMITH  (2021-23), 44 games

OUT

Jack BELL  (2021-24), 34 games, 7 goals 
Roan STEELE  (2022-24), 53 games, 19 goals
Mitch SZYBKOWSKI  (2024), 12 games, 3 goals
Ryan VALENTINE  (2022-24), 24 games, 9 goals    
Mitch WHITE  (2015-19, 2021-24), 138 games, 86 goals 

AFL PLAYERS OUT

Ben BROWN  (2021-24), 22 games, 41 goals
Kyah FARRIS-WHITE  (2023-24),  12 games, 1 goal
Lachie HUNTER  (2024), 10 games, 1 goal
Josh SCHACHE  (2023-24), 27 games,  43 goals
Adam TOMLINSON  (2022-24), 32 games   

I believe that Ziggy Toledo-Glasman sustained a knee injury and is doubtful for this year. Pity, because he would have been a handy player in the VFL.

[dazzledavey36 54,839]

https://x.com/PaulAmy375/status/1858690742639882274

[DeeZone 9,817]

44 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

https://x.com/PaulAmy375/status/1858690742639882274

Thanks dazzledavey36 but can’t see contents.

[MrFreeze 1,963]

27 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

Thanks dazzledavey36 but can’t see contents.

Herald sun so i cant see the rest but the article summary is: 

Gippsland star out to prove a point in VFL return

Recruiting has started to hot up around the VFL with Riley Baldi returning to Casey, while former Cats and Power forward Francis Evans has joined Carlton

Codesports.com.au | Subscribe to Code Sports for exclusive stories

[Whispering_Jack 29,989]

Permit me to provide a summary - Gippsland star out to prove a point in VFL return

* Ace Gippsland League midfielder, Riley Baldi, 23, who played 19 games for Casey from 2021 to 2023, wasn't gone long but is back in the VFL after winning both the Moe club and Gippsland league best and fairest double. He was also selected in the league team of the year for the second year in a row.

*Weekly Times writer David Johnston named Baldi at No. 5 in the best country league players of the year, noting he "began strongly and maintained a high output right to the end" while Leongatha coach Trent McMicking thought him in the No. 1 player in Gippsland.

* Baldi says he still wants to prove himself in the state league, which he believes he didn't do previously at Casey. He says:

"I did love my time there but I probably did struggle to find a bit of the balance between footy and work and study," he says.

"That's why I made the decision to go back to local. Moe were going well at the time too, chasing that first flag in many years.

"I'm a bit more settled now and age has brought me experience and with experience you get stronger in the body and more mature. I know what to expect. I'd like to prove myself at VFL level and try to play some good, consistent footy... When I was here before I would say I didn't live up to the standards I hold myself up to and what I wanted to get to, in terms of week in, week-out footy against the best.

"I'm going to dip my toes into some coaching stuff at Casey as well, so that's a good opportunity, to build on some skill-sets."

* Baldi was with Gippsland Power in 2019, represented Vic Country at the Under 18 championships and attended the AFL state combine but his progress was checked by Covid.

* At the moment he's having a run with Nightcliff in the Darwin competition.

* Other players eyeing a move to Casey are:-

+ Leongatha's Jensen Garnham who kicked 53 goals this year and was listed at full-forward in the Gippsland League team of the year.

+ Another Leongatha player, Patty Ireland from the Ellinbank league is also keen to join the Demons after booting 111 goals from 20 matches this year for Buln Buln, including six in the grand final. There were also bags of 14, 13 and 12.

+ Tyson Sruk, who was on Carlton's VFL list this year and who earned attention when he had 37 possessions for Eastern Ranges in the 2023 Under 18 grand final against Sandringham Dragons. He was restricted by a broken collarbone this year; he played a dozen matches at local level for Rowville.

+ Chance Doultree, 22, from the Footscray VFL list who figured in Traralgon's Gippsland league premiership this year. He previously had a stint with Norwood in the SANFL.

* Players leaving the Demons are captain Mitch White (signed at Rosebud), Ryan Valentine (Coburg), Ned Moodie (at Frankston) and Mitch Szybkowski has headed to GWS.

[KC from Casey 7,063]

10 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

Permit me to provide a summary - Gippsland star out to prove a point in VFL return

* Ace Gippsland League midfielder, Riley Baldi, 23, who played 19 games for Casey from 2021 to 2023, wasn't gone long but is back in the VFL after winning both the Moe club and Gippsland league best and fairest double. He was also selected in the league team of the year for the second year in a row.

*Weekly Times writer David Johnston named Baldi at No. 5 in the best country league players of the year, noting he "began strongly and maintained a high output right to the end" while Leongatha coach Trent McMicking thought him in the No. 1 player in Gippsland.

* Baldi says he still wants to prove himself in the state league, which he believes he didn't do previously at Casey. He says:

"I did love my time there but I probably did struggle to find a bit of the balance between footy and work and study," he says.

"That's why I made the decision to go back to local. Moe were going well at the time too, chasing that first flag in many years.

"I'm a bit more settled now and age has brought me experience and with experience you get stronger in the body and more mature. I know what to expect. I'd like to prove myself at VFL level and try to play some good, consistent footy... When I was here before I would say I didn't live up to the standards I hold myself up to and what I wanted to get to, in terms of week in, week-out footy against the best.

"I'm going to dip my toes into some coaching stuff at Casey as well, so that's a good opportunity, to build on some skill-sets."

* Baldi was with Gippsland Power in 2019, represented Vic Country at the Under 18 championships and attended the AFL state combine but his progress was checked by Covid.

* At the moment he's having a run with Nightcliff in the Darwin competition.

* Other players eyeing a move to Casey are:-

+ Leongatha's Jensen Garnham who kicked 53 goals this year and was listed at full-forward in the Gippsland League team of the year.

+ Another Leongatha player, Patty Ireland from the Ellinbank league is also keen to join the Demons after booting 111 goals from 20 matches this year for Buln Buln, including six in the grand final. There were also bags of 14, 13 and 12.

+ Tyson Sruk, who was on Carlton's VFL list this year and who earned attention when he had 37 possessions for Eastern Ranges in the 2023 Under 18 grand final against Sandringham Dragons. He was restricted by a broken collarbone this year; he played a dozen matches at local level for Rowville.

+ Chance Doultree, 22, from the Footscray VFL list who figured in Traralgon's Gippsland league premiership this year. He previously had a stint with Norwood in the SANFL.

* Players leaving the Demons are captain Mitch White (signed at Rosebud), Ryan Valentine (Coburg), Ned Moodie (at Frankston) and Mitch Szybkowski has headed to GWS.

Thanks WJ.

No doubt, there will be more names to be added to the list when the draft and rookie drafts are over.

[Hawk the Demon 987]

Casey pre-season training starts next week, and their list won't be finalised until the new year.

[spirit of norm smith 16,436]

Thanks @Whispering_Jack  interesting additions in Baldi, Doultree, Ireland and Sruk and Garnham.  

Perhaps the excellent form of Baldi shows the gap between VFL and Gippsland league.  Though Baldi was only given limited opportunities as Casey was very strong through the years he was on the list and he had limited games and minutes.  

Sruk is an excellent addition and I would like to see what he add through the Casey midfield. 
 

 I really think more quality than this is still needed given the 6 players departing as known already.  (** strangely the article missed departures of HUSTWAITE and STEELE together with White are huge losses) 

Edited Tuesday at 07:11 by spirit of norm smith
Y

[WERRIDEE 5,468]

Doultree and Sruk are exactly the players we should be after players with VFL experience. Baldi could be ok as he also has VFL experience but he was pretty ordinary at Casey hopefully he has come back a better player.

[Wilson7 2,667]

2024 Smithy's VFL Season Review - Casey Demons