Casey Demons - offseason 2024/5

[Diamond_Jim 12,627]

17 hours ago, spirit of norm smith said:

After two years on the Eagles AFL list, Coby Burgiel was delisted. He was drafted pick 29 in 2022 draft.

An excellent example of a player who deserves a second chance in a premium competition.

If only we had one

[old dee 23,871]

1 hour ago, Diamond_Jim said:

An excellent example of a player who deserves a second chance in a premium competition.

If only we had one

The current system is a disgrace. Too many byes / too few games. Gives players trying to step up to senior team fewer chances to improve/ show their talents. Senior players trying to return from injury sometimes sit on the side lines for weeks without a game to play. It's now a quasi national competition that's called the VFL. 

Edited November 29 by old dee

[stinga 585]

How does the Casey training system work both pre season and in season.   At some point do they take say 12 melbourne players who are obviously not in line for senior selection and train one day a week with the casey players.   Can't imagine a Casey team could gel without some kind of joint training.   Or do they just invite 6 -10 Casey players to Melbourne training one day a week.

[ChaserJ 5,157]

On 28/11/2024 at 23:47, spirit of norm smith said:

After two years on the Eagles AFL list, Coby Burgiel was delisted. He was drafted pick 29 in 2022 draft. He was injured in his first year at the Eagles and never got back to full fitness until mid 2024. He showed himself to be a quick skilled running type of player in his junior days   Certainly one player for Casey to have a phone call with. Draft bio was 

DOB: 9/9/2004

Height: 183cm

Weight: 76kg

Position: Midfielder/forward

Recruited from: Gippsland Power/Vic Country

The speedy and versatile Gippsland Power product enjoyed a breakout season at NAB League and national under-18s level, where he averaged almost 22 disposals and kicked 12 goals from nine appearances. Capable of playing as a small forward, high half-forward, through midfield or on a wing, Burgiel ticks plenty of boxes and his raw pace saw him run the third-fastest 20m sprint time at the AFL Draft Combine (2.88 seconds).

https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/video/1253040/2022-afl-draft-pick-29-coby-burgiel?videoId=1253040&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1669700497001

I think I read that Burgiel is training on with WC in the hopes of getting another shot with the Eagles. 

[Whispering_Jack 30,634]

On 23/11/2024 at 09:15, spirit of norm smith said:

Casey needs to get Jai Culley.  He is the priority to rebuild quality in Casey supplemental listings and gives him the chance to showcase himself for another shot at getting back onto an AFL list.  

You might get your wish.

[BC_1718_DC 1,367]

[spirit of norm smith 16,587]

On 23/11/2024 at 08:15, spirit of norm smith said:

Casey needs to get Jai Culley.  He is the priority to rebuild quality in Casey supplemental listings and gives him the chance to showcase himself for another shot at getting back onto an AFL list.  
 

I think Casey should look to add Max Donohue, midfielder. Runner up in Gippsland Power B&F this year.  Leongatha lad who impressed through the 4 power games I saw.  

Good news. It sounds like Jai Culley is to sign on with Casey VFL.  Would help rebuild Casey stock of quality players.  Definitely has the size, skill , contested footy strength to be in AFL system. Perhaps the knock is for him to improve in pace. 

[dazzledavey36 55,317]

Jail Culley would be a fantastic get for Casey.

Watching their games this year, the biggest whole we had on field was midfield depth.

Not only was losing Jordon, Dunstan and Harmes a significant hit for Casey midfield depth, but I felt the loss of James Munro was a bigger one.

We got Campbell Hustwaite as a replacement but he lasted 5 minutes until injury.

Culley would add a bigger mature body in the midfield and take the load off our young players. I am hoping Riley Bonner also signs with Casey just to add some further experience.

[Elwood 3184 1,338]

5 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Jail Culley would be a fantastic get for Casey.

Watching their games this year, the biggest whole we had on field was midfield depth.

Not only was losing Jordon, Dunstan and Harmes a significant hit for Casey midfield depth, but I felt the loss of James Munro was a bigger one.

We got Campbell Hustwaite as a replacement but he lasted 5 minutes until injury.

Culley would add a bigger mature body in the midfield and take the load off our young players. I am hoping Riley Bonner also signs with Casey just to add some further experience.

I wonder if Riley Bonner is still on the table for Casey?

As @george_on_the_outer mentioned, the club is subject to the limitations of a salary cap. There must be a limit to the number of high quality ex AFL players a club can recruit.

[spirit of norm smith 16,587]

On 07/12/2024 at 13:01, Elwood 3184 said:

I wonder if Riley Bonner is still on the table for Casey?

As @george_on_the_outer mentioned, the club is subject to the limitations of a salary cap. There must be a limit to the number of high quality ex AFL players a club can recruit.

Yes not sure how this AFL cap works with aligned clubs like Casey, Sandringham and Box Hill.  Casey had two listed players with AFL experience on their 2024 list (White & Connelly) , Sandringham nil and Box Hill had five.

Not sure of the salary cap for standalone clubs, but for example Williamstown had 10 ex AFL listed players in 2024 and poached/attracted 6-7 good players from other VFL teams over the prior 12 months.  They’ve already added 3 ex AFL players this off season.  Must have some flowing coin by the bay 

[spirit of norm smith 16,587]

I’d like to see young Ben Hopkins get a Casey deal for 2025.  Definitely looked capable when I saw the Stingrays in the 5 games this year. Tall 6”3 defender who provides good intercept as well as run and carry.  Rotated sometimes in the midfield for Stingrays but I think he’s more suited as a defender. Might get a chance to further develop and play senior footy at his local club (Langwarrin) amongst a few Casey Demons call ups.  

[KC from Casey 7,116]

Paul Amy’s Code Sports article (you have to be a subscriber), "Done deal: the first 100 recruits for the 2025 VFL season," includes the following players signed by the Casey Demons for 2025 -

Riley Baldi

Baldi is back in the VFL after a superb season with Moe in which he won the Gippsland league medal, his club best and fairest and was named in the team of the year for the second successive season. In his list of this year's best 50 country footballers, astute Weekly Times writer David Johnston slotted the onballer at No. 5, noting he had "began strongly and maintained a high output right to the end". Leongatha coach Trent McMicking thought him in the No. 1 player in Gippsland.

Baldi was a prominent Gippsland Power player in 2019, representing Vic Country at the Under 18 championships and attending the AFL state combine.

Jai Culley

The 2022 No. 1 mid-season draft pick will no doubt be eyeing an opening with the AFL

Demons as he makes out for Casey Fields. The former Dandenong Stingray played a dozen matches for West Coast, returning to the AFL this year after sustaining an ACL injury in 2023.

Chance Doultree

Doultree, 22, was on the Footscray Bulldogs VFL list this year and figured in Traralgon's Gippsland league premiership. He previously spent time with Norwood in the SANFL.

Patrick Ireland

Graduating from Gippsland Power, Ireland booted 111 goals from 20 matches this year for Buln Buln in the Ellinbank and District league, including six in the grand final. There were also bags of 14, 13 and 12. "He's got all the attributes you like in a forward," outgoing Buln Buln coach Bobby McAllum said. "He's very mobile and he takes a really good mark but what sets him apart from a lot of forwards is that he's a really good set-shot."

Deakyn Smith

Smith won Casey's 2023 best and fairest as a Melbourne-listed player and he's returned to Casey Fields after a season with North Melbourne's VFL program.

Tyson Sruk

Sruk earned attention when he had 37 possessions for Eastern Ranges in the 2023 Under 18 grand final against Sandringham Dragons. A broken collarbone restricted him this year as a Carlton VFL-lister but he did play a dozen matches at local level for Rowville.

It’s also been reported from yesterday’s MFC preseason session at Gosch’s Paddock that Mitch Hardie, who was delisted by the Cats at the end of the 2024 season despite winning the club’s VFL best and fairest, trained alongside Roy George, uncle of Kysaiah Pickett. who is also training over the summer with the club. Although no list spots are currently available at Melbourne, both are set to play for Casey this year, with the aim of gaining a place should one become available down the track. 

[Whispering_Jack 30,634]

All Melbourne supporters and not only those who follow the Casey Demons, should be delighted with that recruiting haul. The extra depth will enable the VFL team to be far more competitive in 2025 than it was this year which will also have the benefit of helping the development of the younger MFC-listed players. 

Some more information on the mature aged midfielder, Hardie who is aged 27 and is 185cm tall, in this article - 

Delisted Cat certain he has more to offer amid reported interest from rival clubs
 

[DistrACTION Jackson 9,221]

Just noticed this on the club website - VFL | New names at Casey Fields in 2025

New Players

Mitch Hardie (Geelong)

A strong addition to our midfield, Mitch Hardie comes to us from Geelong, having spent the past two years on their AFL list. Known for his strength around stoppages and in the contest, Mitch is an inside midfielder who can also hit the scoreboard when needed. His vast experience will bring leadership and resilience to the club, making him a key figure in our midfield for the 2024 season.

Deakyn Smith (North Melbourne VFL)

Returning to the club, Deakyn Smith is back after an outstanding 2023 season where he won the Casey Demons Best and Fairest (B&F) award. A running half-back with the ability to score and contribute offensively, Deakyn is also a formidable one-on-one player. His strong understanding of the club and its culture will no doubt make him an essential player for our defensive line and beyond. We welcome Deakyn back with open arms, and his leadership will be vital in the upcoming season.

Jai Culley (West Coast Eagles)

A local talent hailing from Langwarrin, Jai Culley joins us after being selected as the first pick in the 2022 mid-season draft by West Coast. Standing at 194cm, Jai is a powerful inside midfielder with excellent stoppage skills and the ability to impact the scoreboard, as demonstrated when he kicked 4 goals in round 6 of the 2023 AFL season. His physical presence in the midfield and his knack for getting the ball in key moments will be an asset to our squad.

Re-signings

Paddy Cross

We are thrilled to announce the re-signing of Paddy Cross, the versatile wingman who can also play midfield and contribute on the scoreboard. After a challenging period of injuries, Paddy is poised for a fresh start this season, and if he enjoys an injury-free pre-season, he could be like a new recruit for the club. His run and carry will be essential to our midfield and wing rotations.

Kai Windsor

After an exceptional 2023 season, Kai Windsor has re-signed with the club for the 2025 season. Having played 15 games last year, Kai showed immense growth, especially after taking a break from football in the previous two years. Primarily operating on the half-forward line, Kai’s continued development at the VFL level will be a critical factor in the team’s success. We are excited to see him continue to flourish in the upcoming season.

New Young Players to Watch

Patrick Ireland

Patrick Ireland is one to watch for the future, having kicked an impressive 111 goals for Buln Buln in the Ellinbank & District League. Standing at 193cm, Patrick is a mid-sized forward with a knack for finding the ball both on the ground and in the air. His strong hands and great lead, paired with his excellent goal sense, make him a player to watch as he transitions into the higher levels of the game.

Tyson Sruk

Tyson Sruk joins the Demons after spending time on Carlton's VFL list. Though he didn’t play a VFL game in 2024, Tyson’s impressive performances in the Coates League Grand Final, where he was named Best on Ground, show his potential. A local Rowville player, Tyson is strong across half-back or in midfield and will add depth to the club’s defensive and midfield rotations.

Chance Doultree

A new recruit from Traralgon in the Gippsland League, Chance Doultree brings a wealth of experience from higher-grade football, with previous stints at Footscray VFL and Norwood SANFL. A speedy half-forward, Chance averaged 23 possessions per game in Traralgon’s premiership season, combining quick pace with a strong sense of goal. We look forward to seeing Chance make an impact on the scoreboard and in forward pressure situations.

Looking Forward

With these exciting new additions, re-signings, and young stars, the Casey Demons are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. We are eager to see how the fresh talent integrates with the club’s existing squad and what they will bring to the table. The club’s future is bright, and with a mixture of experienced players and dynamic newcomers, we can’t wait for what’s to come.Stay tuned for more updates.

[dazzledavey36 55,317]

Interesting no mention of Roy George as a signing.

Edited December 10 by dazzledavey36

[KC from Casey 7,116]

21 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Interesting no mention of Roy George as a signing.

He is, however, a returning player so there was no necessity to mention him among those who re-signed and just wanted to highlight a couple of the players in that category. Or they just don't want to make a big deal of him?

[dazzledavey36 55,317]

1 minute ago, KC from Casey said:

He is, however, a returning player so there was no necessity to mention him among those who re-signed and just wanted to highlight a couple of the players in that category. Or they just don't want to make a big deal of him?

Yeah fair point.

[dazzledavey36 55,317]

Riley Bonner confirmed.

 

[The end is nigh 391]

So many of Caseys deficiencies from last season resolved. Not just a competitive side now but a true force. Can’t see them losing a game. 

[bing181 9,328]

1 hour ago, The end is nigh said:

So many of Caseys deficiencies from last season resolved. Not just a competitive side now but a true force. Can’t see them losing a game. 

Essential to have a competitive Casey team, makes a real difference to our younger/developing/fringe players.

[spirit of norm smith 16,587]

Wow. Casey admin has seemingly woken up and got serious about the club.  The exit of guys like Munro, Steele and White was taking the heart out of the team. It’s important in the alignment to have a strong core group.  This benefits the MFC as those players listed for AFL get strong experience and create a winning culture.  

It’s interesting as well that guys like Culley and Hardie see themselves as having the chance to impress for an AFL list spot.  They are very good signings and will demand a key role in 2025.  Deakyn Smith’s return is a huge plus.  Bonner also is still AFL quality and will also suggest Casey is a contender next year. 

Kirkwood-Scott impressed so much in the Coates League.  His disposal by foot is elite both in skill and distance.  His courage at Sandringham and Haileybury also makes him a developing small defender.   

[KC from Casey 7,116]

I’m hoping the ban imposed elsewhere on DL doesn’t apply here because I’m obliged to mention that Mitch Kirkwood-Scott is an excellent signing and skipper of the Haileybury College 

The 178cm Kirkwood-Scott is a small defender who is a strong interceptor who runs the lines and would be a great foil for Bonner, a quality player who could fit a number of roles at VFL level.

Rivalry for places at the club will be strong in 2025 and some MFC listed players will have to be on their toes. Competition is good.

[DistrACTION Jackson 9,221]

Smith and Bonner will have a field day off half back

[Whispering_Jack 30,634]

There should be a big upsurge of interest in the Casey Demons this year as we see a huge improvement in quality of the club’s VFL list. 

On top of that, with occasional appearances permitted for father/son and NGA players, we can also expect to see Kalani White and Toby SInnema in the colours as well.

So forgive me for going early, but hopefully, the Casey team will get the full support of the senior club in 2025 - we’ve seen the benefits in the past of having both the AFL and VFL squads simultaneously competing  in finals. 

[Travy14 1,948]

Clearly a focus of the club review and focus on a good VFL side to help our young Dees adjust to the higher level.  Chucking kids in the deep end doesn't help development.

Great moves from the club!