interesting; so he's gone from a wing and occasional inside mid to half back

what's his disposal and pace like?

Apparently Dees are using Sinnema as the 23rd player for the vital VFL last game versus Box Hill Hawks.

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Can someone please post the full article? I’m stuck behind the paywall. Thanks in advance

This article in CodeSports (no link available) talks about both SInnema and Kalani White ~

AFL draft 2025: Melbourne poised to commit to NGA prospect Toby Sinnema

A smooth-moving left-footer is giving Melbourne's recruiters a rarity — a prospect out of their Next Generation Academy.

It's believed the Demons are firming on taking Dandenong Stingrays top-ager Toby Sinnema, a Vic Country Under 18 representative in four nationals matches this year.

The wingman has averaged 20.2 disposals from his 11 games for the Stingrays.

It comes with the Demons likely to secure father-son prospect Kalani White despite him also being linked to the Suns as a Gold Coast Academy player.

The Demons last year put Ricky Mentha Jr on their category B list as a small crafty forward.

They do not have a first-round pick in this year's national draft but will be hopeful they can secure some exciting young talent to build with their next coach.

Melbourne believes Sinnema has the scope to improve sharply.

"He can hurt teams with his foot skills and he's got good pace and he's improved in the areas he was deficient in to become a better all-round player," Rays coach Nick Cox said of Sinnema.

"He's played in the majority of positions - wing, half-back, half-forward - so he's got that versatility too.

"He's our vice-captain and he shows a lot of leadership."

Sinnema is likely to line up for Melbourne's VFL affiliate Casey this weekend against ladder leader Box Hill Hawks.

He has been training with the Casey Demons for the past fortnight.

Sinnema made his debut for Devon Meadows in local football last year, earning high praise for coach Ryan Hendy, who told this masthead: "He was unbelievable, he's got a massive future."

"He's just classy," he said. "He reminded me of a young Errol Gulden, it's a big wrap but he just moves exactly like him, he just runs and runs and is a magnificent ball user."

White has played four games for the Allies in the national championships and three for Gold Coast and while he has huge athletic potential, he is a low possession winner at this stage.

He is likely to be considered by clubs from the second and third rounds of the draft but as a project player who could one day take on the ruck after Max Gawn retires, he is an exciting prospect for the Dees.

Father Jeff has always told him to choose the club where he is most comfortable, but the Suns have as many as five other Academy players they can choose from this year.

At least three of them are considered first-round prospects including top 10 picks Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson.

if we can turn him into our own errol gulden then happy days

3 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

if we can turn him into our own errol gulden then happy days

Yep will be box office entertainment 😬

13 minutes ago, kurtneverdied said:

Yep will be box office entertainment 😬

he's in skins, not tights

40 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

if we can turn him into our own errol gulden then happy days

We are well overdue some luck.

Exactly the player we need. Although we lack capital for top draft/trade prospects. Our NGA and father/son options this year are very exciting.

I'll definitely tune in this week to see him in action v Box Hill.

This kid can seriously play.

Picked up the VFL tempo just fine and seems to have a good tank as he was running out the game well.

Perfect prototype type player for today's transition game especially on the open wide space of the MCG.

Exciting times ahead for this kid.

Just in case any other AFL teams do their recruiting via fishing comments from fan forums. Not a good VFL debut. 4 touches, 3 turnovers, was afraid to go near the ball and was overhead making multiple slurs before drink driving one the way home. Rookie at best.

Looked like he has a touch of class.

I love his kicking action, not to mention that's he's a lefty.

And seems a good decision maker too. His kick to Kentfield, who was by himself in the pocket that set up his goal was a good example.

Easy to hit, but how many of our players, one don't take a beat to sum up options and instead just slam it on the boot and two, somehow miss those easy 30 metre kicks.

Exactly the sort of player we need more off.

This quote from the article above is exciting:

Sinnema made his debut for Devon Meadows in local football last year, earning high praise for coach Ryan Hendy, who told this masthead: "He was unbelievable, he's got a massive future."

"He's just classy," he said. "He reminded me of a young Errol Gulden, it's a big wrap but he just moves exactly like him, he just runs and runs and is a magnificent ball user."

Edited 6 hours ago6 hr by binman

No wonder we traded out pick 5

Favourite player already.

This is exciting then, finally a bit of luck or something we can get excited about.

2 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

'Piercing left foot'. Oh, be still my heart!

On 12/08/2025 at 18:57, Whispering_Jack said:

he just runs and runs and is a magnificent ball user."

😮😮😮. Can we beat that out of him?