The career of the son of former Demon Brownlow Medalist Shane, seems to have stalled. Taj added 16 games to his overall AFL tally last year but managed only one appearance this year amid a moderate season at Casey. He remains on the list but is the only player yet to be contracted for at least a further season.

Date of Birth: 26 March 2003
Height: 182cm

Games MFC 2025: 1
Career Total: 21

Goals MFC 2024: 0
Career Total: 3

Games CDFC 2024: 17
Goals CDFC 2024: 2

has no real strengths, no outstanding phsyical traits, the worst type of player to be as you are the most easily replaceable in the 22 and on the list with a younger prospect. taj has been tried across all three lines and is a serviceable vfl player, i love the romanticism of a FS recruit so hopefully if he survives he can find a niche and thrive on it, the same way a maginess or west has elsewhere

51 minutes ago, Turner said:

has no real strengths, no outstanding phsyical traits, the worst type of player to be as you are the most easily replaceable in the 22 and on the list with a younger prospect. taj has been tried across all three lines and is a serviceable vfl player, i love the romanticism of a FS recruit so hopefully if he survives he can find a niche and thrive on it, the same way a maginess or west has elsewhere

Sadly I have to agree. Serviceable VFL player only with nothing screaming for a promotion.

The only bloke on the list for his size that goes harder would be Jack Viney.

Another who would be wondering why players of similar ability such as Sharp get gifted regular opportunities, whilst he misses out.

I agree that he will never be a star at AFL level, but I would have liked to see him get a sustained run as a lock down small defender this year.

That would have also released Bowey to play a more attacking role further up the ground.

DEE HOPEFUL OF NEW DEAL

MELBOURNE midfielder Taj Woewodin is hopeful of earning a deal for 2026 after a positive meeting with coach Steven King but will need to wait until the end of the Trade Period for clarity on his future.

Woewodin, who played just once at AFL level in 2025 after a breakout 2024, is being monitored by a pair of Victorian clubs and one other as the Dees hold off on extending the 22-year-old. 

The West Australian is open to remaining with the Dees and having a fresh start under King after finishing the season in strong VFL form and featuring in the Casey Demons' VFL campaign. The son of Brownlow medallist Shane Woewodin, he has not drawn meaningful interest from hometown clubs Fremantle or West Coast.

Finished the year well at Casey, a really good trainer and nice guy. I hope he gets another year. Showed some great signs in his first 5 or so games. A winger or high half forward rather than defender for me.

Well there is a gap in the backline…

Actually there are a few gaps let’s be honest.

I think we are unlikely to have the picks to push him out at this stage.

His old man was a late developer

unfortunately i don't even think he's in the 'too good for vfl; not good enough for afl' level of player; he's just in the 'good, ordinary vfl player' level of player

i would personally be surprised if he's on an afl list in 2026, and if he is then it says a lot about how thin the quality of players in the afl actually is

i think it's only going to get more spread thin when the 19th team in tassie comes in, and then the inevitable 20th team too

Delist.

14 minutes ago, GawnOfTheDead said:

Delist.

Agree. We're already 'carrying' too many players who'll play a few, if any, senior games - McAdam, Laurie, Henderson, Sharp, Johnson, Campbell, and Jefferson.

4 hours ago, GawnOfTheDead said:

Delist.

I think thats harsh, but agree. Want him to succeed but.....

37 minutes ago, Fritta and Turner said:

I think thats harsh, but agree. Want him to succeed but.....

I just think this, how many years in your job would you be allowed to under perform before they say cya later and bring in actual talent?

He’s had plenty of time to figure it out. If he had a different surname I’m positive he would have been moved on a while ago.

5 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

unfortunately i don't even think he's in the 'too good for vfl; not good enough for afl' level of player; he's just in the 'good, ordinary vfl player' level of player

i would personally be surprised if he's on an afl list in 2026, and if he is then it says a lot about how thin the quality of players in the afl actually is

i think it's only going to get more spread thin when the 19th team in tassie comes in, and then the inevitable 20th team too

By comparison young Stretch and JKH were probably better VFL players and we know how they ended up

Is he out of contract? Amazed he hasn't been delisted or re-signed

23 minutes ago, GawnOfTheDead said:

If he had a different surname I’m positive he would have been moved on a while ago.

I loved seeing him get the chance, but it'd be fair to say if not for his surname he'd never have been on an AFL list.

6 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

unfortunately i don't even think he's in the 'too good for vfl; not good enough for afl' level of player; he's just in the 'good, ordinary vfl player' level of player

i would personally be surprised if he's on an afl list in 2026, and if he is then it says a lot about how thin the quality of players in the afl actually is

i think it's only going to get more spread thin when the 19th team in tassie comes in, and then the inevitable 20th team too

You never know. 3 votes Patrick Cripps will be edged in folklore.

given the changes today, leaving only 2 list spots on main list and 2 rookie spots, i cannot see how Taj stays on the list. awaiting delisting. noting we have 7,8 and 37 to somehow add 2 or 3 young talents, Kalani, Sinnema alng with rumours of Yze, Pickett and Ah Mu....interesting few weeks ahead

Yes it looks like he will miss out. With Jiath and Steele coming in plus White plus Sinnema plus 2 x first rounders, we are “1 too many”

we can go in with 38/4 so no rookie spots and draft at 7,8,37 and then add white at the end of the draft with 66

which would mean taj holds on

I have flipped - I think we will keep him