MELBOURNE

Jai Culley spent most of 2025 with Casey, but his final month of the home and away campaign and his pre-season form suggest he is ready to establish himself at senior level. The 194cm onballer has an impressive mix of power and endurance, and the Demons are considering whether he could be an effective supporting ruck to Max Gawn this season with the rule changes coming in. The former mid-season draft No. 1 pick will get opportunities through the middle either way as the Dees will need support for battering rams Jack Viney and Jack Steele.

From all accounts, he’s in absolute ripping nick.

I’d be shocked if he doesn’t have a break out season. He’s been one of our best trainers as well.

Edited January 15Jan 15 by Random Task

Can someone have a breakout season before they’ve even barely had a season to begin with?

1 hour ago, Demon Disciple said:

Can someone have a breakout season before they’ve even barely had a season to begin with?

What’s the definition of a breakout season? For Culley, would it be if he managed to play every game (or at least 90% of them)?

Just hope he doesn't push himself beyond what his body can handle and burn out, given the ACL injury history.

Edited January 15Jan 15 by John Demonic

49 minutes ago, John Demonic said:

Just hope he doesn't push himself beyond what his body can handle and burn out, given the ACL injury history.

Don't think training and playing hard has destroyed Max Gawn after his ACL injury history. Good luck to the young guy.

He needs a better haircut.

Jai is leaving no stone unturned to make the grade at AFL, you have to admire that -height, power and endurance are a special mix for our depleted midfield.

Supporting ruck is very interesting, he shows willingness to contest physically so it would suit him.

I’ve only been to a couple of training sessions this pre season but in the physical drills against other players he has been very driven with no beg pardons. He dropped Jeffo in one drill (yeah…I kmow) which just showed the different levels of intensity. It seems he got a taste last year, wants more and is busting a gut to get it.

It’s a great story. A kid getting a second opportunity playing for the team that he grew up supporting. Already suffered an ACL injury in his young career. Got himself a running coach in the off season. Resilient and hungry and doing whatever he can to get the best out of himself. Love it. Go get em Jai!!!

I’ve been one who wasn’t sure he was quite good enough to be a difference maker but he seems to have gone to another level in pre-season.

Very much hoping it translates into the games this season and into the future and would be ecstatic to be eating humble pie if/when it does!

It wouldn't surprise me if he establishes himself as a useful part of our best 22. But are we overhyping him? Hopefully he'll just be getting on with business regardless. And hopefully even if he does have a few quiet games fans don't feel let down based on their (not the club's) (over-) expectations.

MFCSS nerves when 'break' and 'out' are mentioned...

1 hour ago, Roost it far said:

He needs a better haircut.

True, but at least he stands out

Got to admire the way he is smashing preseason.

It will be interesting to see how his kicking and decision making are when it comes to the season. He certainly has a lot of other weapons

I love his haircut, it feels a bit King Arthur 😂

23 minutes ago, DeelightfulPlay said:

I love his haircut, it feels a bit King Arthur 😂

Let me get that table going round:

Sir Harvey Langcelot.

...and The Lady Gawnevere?

2 minutes ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Let me get that table going round:

Sir Harvey Langcelot.

We'll see what magic Tom Mattlin can perform once he recovers fully from his injury haha

2 minutes ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

...and The Lady Gawnevere?

1 hour ago, Go Ds said:

It wouldn't surprise me if he establishes himself as a useful part of our best 22. But are we overhyping him?

Overhyping him ? Here on Demonland - shock horror - That has never ever happened.

Firstly he needs to establish himself as a regular senior player - then after a few seasons he may elevate & have a breakout year.

Demonland has never been short of hyperbole & hubris.

3 hours ago, Melbournepotter said:

I’ve only been to a couple of training sessions this pre season but in the physical drills against other players he has been very driven with no beg pardons. He dropped Jeffo in one drill (yeah…I kmow) which just showed the different levels of intensity. It seems he got a taste last year, wants more and is busting a gut to get it.

Intensity - you either have it or you haven't

Sorry jeffo