The Demons head to the Red Centre to face St Kilda in Alice Springs, aiming for a third straight win to keep their push for a Top 8 spot alive. Who comes in and who goes out?

Sharp full game for SparGod

JVR for AJ

Hard to see how Viney gets back in

Think Viney comes in for Spargo, AJ creates a lot of havoc in the forward line

Does Tmac come back in Lever should be better with a game behind him but competition for places now

3 minutes ago, adonski said:

Sharp full game for SparGod

JVR for AJ

AJ set up at least 2 or 3 goals with clever taps in play.

He's a big rough around the edges but I like what he brings.

Weather forecast is for a max of 19 degrees on Sunday. We have a fair amount of rain forecast the next 3 days so it might not be completely dry underfoot by game day.

23 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Think Viney comes in for Spargo, AJ creates a lot of havoc in the forward line

Does Tmac come back in Lever should be better with a game behind him but competition for places now

Glad to see people appreciating AJ's bollocking performances.

He's getting better at playing his role, very close to almost making a decent impact on the scoreboard.

Hopefully Viney comes back in. If not, he's in trouble with the concussion.

Otherwise I wouldn't tinker too much. Windsor has been slightly off but was better today. McVee not back up to his old standards either, but not sure who could replace him, or whether anyone should.

AJ is perhaps the big question mark. OK, a couple of smart intercepts and taps in general play, but overall he just doesn't bring enough for me. A 1 kick/zero mark/zero score game doesn't exactly scream "pick me".

I think Lever's knee injury from the last quarter is worse than what we realise.

Hope it is not the worst news.

9 minutes ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

Glad to see people appreciating AJ's bollocking performances.

He's getting better at playing his role, very close to almost making a decent impact on the scoreboard.

In a team that kicked the equivalent of 20 goals, AJ didn't manage a single score, even though he was mostly played up forward. He also only had 6 disposals - to go with his previous 5 and 5. And took zero marks.

Hard to see how he's "getting better at playing his role". He has to do more than throw his weight around and give away free kicks.

10 minutes ago, wheaters31 said:

I think Lever's knee injury from the last quarter is worse than what we realise.

Hope it is not the worst news.

I was at the game so haven't seen any vision, but live it looked like an issue with his foot or ankle.

He took off and ran pretty hard for 50-60 metres, which surely would be unlikely if it was a knee injury. At least I hope so.

1 hour ago, adonski said:

Sharp full game for SparGod

JVR for AJ

AJ is like a cameo character in a TV series that provides excellent comedic relief. Are you not entertained. He has a dip!!

Just now, Jjrogan said:

AJ is like a cameo character in a TV series that provides excellent comedic relief. Are you not entertained. He has a dip!!

27 minutes ago, wheaters31 said:

I think Lever's knee injury from the last quarter is worse than what we realise.

Hope it is not the worst news.

Yep, he had very little to do and broke down.

TMac for Lever (needs more time to recover #the whole 2025 season).

Viney for Spargo.

Lever is not old but his body is shot. He needs extended time out of the game.

This game is bloody huge now. Set up King's Birthday, Dees.

This game against St Kilda would have to be the first time this season we've gone in with a serious expectation that we'll win and win solidly.

Here's hoping for setting a new tone the way our 2018 games at Alice Springs did.

Actually, I'm just beginning to get a little bit of 2018 vibes from this season. A real 'He's beginning to believe' tension.

Will also be fun to see if we can get a better crowd in Alice than the Saints got at Docklands this week.

Viney in for Spargo, although it is not like-for-like so unsure what it does to rotations etc...

If Lever does not recover, TMac straight back in.

AJ remains a question mark for me but he continues to create havoc, impose himself physically, and have direct goal assists. His physicality in particular is glorious to watch, even if it is totally reckless and dangerous. He has to stay in.

1 minute ago, Maldonboy38 said:

Viney in for Spargo, although it is not like-for-like so unsure what it does to rotations etc...

If Lever does not recover, TMac straight back in.

AJ remains a question mark for me but he continues to create havoc, impose himself physically, and have direct goal assists. His physicality in particular is glorious to watch, even if it is totally reckless and dangerous. He has to stay in.

Viney provides impact, Spargo does not

1 hour ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Think Viney comes in for Spargo, AJ creates a lot of havoc in the forward line

Does Tmac come back in Lever should be better with a game behind him but competition for places now

Yea good call re Viney.

Aj is probably a little harder. It would be nice to see Jvr back. I've heard differing accounts of his performance at Casey but mostly positive.

I think Roo offers more in the marking arena so he would be my preference. But Aj did create some havoc as you say although some of it was for us. But I don't doubt his commitment.

As for Tmac, I'd prefer him to Lever but another hard call. I mean you want a firing Lever Everytime. He was of course understandably rusty today.

Some good headaches to have. Our depth compared to last year is better and the sign of a good club for sure.

Edited May 25, 2025May 25 by leave it to deever

Out: Spargo

In: Viney

I’m not dropping AJ. He offers 1%ers - the taps, smothers etc that our other talls don’t, and those created goals today. He doesn’t do the “tall things” very well (like contested marking) but I don’t yet trust that van Rooyen will do them either. If I have to choose between two talls who can’t clunk it, I choose the one who is already in the side, proving he does the little things.

Lever had cobwebs to be blown out but I’m not dropping him either. It’s normal for elite players to find form in the seniors and he fits that category. The higher intensity will accelerate his return to the top. Assuming he’s not injured, anyway.

Drop AJ please.

Tmac back, Disco forward.

Viney for Spargo.

AJ is a watch for me. He keeps throwing his arms around and giving us scoring opportunities and kicked that soccer goal last week.

I don't know if that's what to expect from him or a fluke.

40 minutes ago, Wrecker45 said:

AJ is a watch for me. He keeps throwing his arms around and giving us scoring opportunities and kicked that soccer goal last week.

I don't know if that's what to expect from him or a fluke.

Looks a natural for the Wallabies centre scrum and maul. Some basic Aussie rule attributes will help selection and retention.

One change for me,Viney in for Spargo but to play in the forward 50 only,the mid field is now dynamic with Clarrie,Tracc,Pickett,Rivers then with como's from Salem,Bowey and I think I saw McVee in there at one stage

2 hours ago, adonski said:

Sharp full game for SparGod

JVR for AJ

AJ stays another week for mine. JVR needs to earn it with another strong performance IMV.

Charlie didn't do enough today and could do with a week off.