A couple Demonland Trackwatchers as well as a Jounalist were in attendance out at Casey Fields this morning to bring you their observations from the Match Simulation including reports that Jai Culley left the field with a suspected broken arm.

BRENNO'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS

I popped in this morning to observe the Match Sim/Intra club. Might be some double up to my notes and it's hard to be completely accurate when the play is on the far side of the ground. But here's what I took away from today. 

Both Picketts and Ricky Mentha were absent…..Gutted. I was really looking forward to seeing Trelly play in the flesh for the first time!

From the blokes who were there but didn't play in match sim; Salem, CJ, Laurie Petty, Luka didn't look too bad to my uninformed and uneducated eye. They all ran laps or sprints at stages and none of them looked far off it. Mcadam also ran laps but sadly, he just doesn't look anywhere near it to me. Doesn't look fit and dare I say interested. I could be wrong but that's the vibe I got. Poor bloke. 

Didn't see much activity from Melky, Bowser, Hendo & Kalani. Not sure what the issue with Kalani is but he was in thongs when he walked past me on the boundary. 

The 1st “quarter” started off with what looked like the 1st choice 22 (BLUE) vs the rest (GREY). This may have excluded the mids who chopped and changed throughout the day. Gawny was also in the “others” group. I suppose this was to give Moose the chance to be the main man for a while and let Max gradually get into match conditioning.

The starting key Backs (Blue Team) looked like Tmac, Lever and Disco with XL XT and Howes as the small defenders. They really were not troubled very much unless Gawn floated down and clunked it inside 50. Gawny had one of his trademark shank kicks at goal in the second quarter. Vintage Gawn. 

The front 6 for blue looked like JVR, Checkers, Fritch, Jeffo Sharp and I think Chandler. And I must say, they were looking quite connected and worked well together as a group, especially the talls (admittedly against weaker opponents). 

The mids rotated quite often and it was hard to tell who was in the guts at times but all of Windsor, Culley, Sparrow, Riv, Steele, Kolt, Chandler  had cracks in there throughout the day. It's going to be really interesting who the starting mids will be this year, but if I had to guess ... .Rivers, Steele, Koz, Windsor will be the main 4 until Viney is back.

As you can imagine the Blues dominated the first 2 (out of 3) “quarters” and were 50 odd points ahead at half time. 

It was very noticeable how much faster we were moving the ball when in offense compared to previous seasons. The overlap handball was on whenever possible and the movement ahead of the ball was worlds apart from our stagnant forward lines of the Goodwin era. Mistakes were made but they just kept having a crack which was nice to see. 

In the second half/third quarter, the first choice defense and forwards played against each other and the contest became much more even. Unfortunately Culley came off hurt and stopped the play for a while. The boys were clearly getting fatigued by this point and the pace of the game had reduced noticeably.  Wrapped up the 3 qtr and it looked like there were back to running drills so I headed to work. 

My main concern today was just how many VFL top up players were out there and how many of our squad were on the sidelines. Hopefully no more injuries to come and we can get a few back before round 1. Overall it looked like a solid hit out and I am excited for what season might bring. I am not sure how we will go this year as it's hard to know how this style and the list will measure up against real opponents. But either way we are going to be much more exciting to watch in 2026!

Individual Notes: Just a summary of a few notes I took during the day:

Harvey Langford – Looked strong and composed, although It looked to me like he played majority on the wing today and drifted forward and only occasionally went inside. Might not be a starting mid just yet, but I am convinced he will be our best-player at some stage.

Xavier Lindsey – Seems to have Bowser's job for now and at times showed he has very similar class. Took most of the kick ins for the Blues and offered great distribution out of defensive 50. Looks very comfortable back there, though he did shank one straight to the opposing Jeffo at one point though which was horrid. 

Xavier Taylor - looks so sure of himself out there. Full of confidence and personality, at one point he jokingly told Jared Rivers to call him either “Redge or Daddy.” Looks like a Round 1 lock to me. Super exciting addition, Gave me Vlasutin vibes.  

Jed Adams – I was very impressed by his foot skills for a big man. He was on the seconds team but had some nice moments. Closed a large distance at full pace for a desperate last minute spoil on the wing that was very nice. Got a bunch of cheers from the lads. 

Tommy Mathews – very impressive given limited preseason and last year’s injury. I feel he will play senior footy at some point this year. Hard to describe what it was about him but he just has that AFL gun small forward look to him. Something about the way he pumps those legs. Dare I say “Nick Watson like”. Could be an absolute steal for the pick we used. 

Koltyn Tholstrup – busy and impactful for both teams. Definitely not one to write off. Did some great stuff both offensively and defensively. He probably isn't in the same talent category as XL, XT Windsor and Langford but he is coming along nicely in my view. Also love the energy and spirit that he plays with.

Caleb Windsor – looking very sharp and using his pace well. Not sure he is a first possession guy, but he was used a few times as second position and no one could catch him. He is going to be so fun to watch this year. Kicked a nice long bomb from a CBA and looks ready to take his game to the next level. I don't think he will ever be an elite user of the ball but with that leg speed he probably doesn't need to. Impressive today, hope he can bring that output into the season consistently. 

Oscar Berry – far better than expected for someone just coming into the system. Keeping a lid on it for now but he looked like the best Category B rookie I've seen in red and blue by some margin. Took kick ins for Grey and got involved in general play. used the ball quite well too. One to watch.

Moose Heath – Looked very strong in the air and was involved in general play quite consistently. I am normally against playing 2 rucks but from what I saw today I feel like gawn playing ruck/def and Moose playing Ruck/fwd would be worth a trial. Huge man.

Trent Rivers – Probably BOG for me, worked his [censored] off to find space and provide the next link all day. Used the ball well and must have kicked 3-4 goals by my count. Ready to be one of the main men this year. Make him VC!

Blake Howes – started down back with the blue squad but later in the sim he was played on the wing vs Onley. I must say he looked really comfortable and at home there. Looked like a completely different player. I overheard some of the coaches and players chatting about it and they were also impressed. I wouldn't mind him staying there and developing his game to be a tall running wingman as we have enough mid/tall defender depth and I don't think there's a spot for him back there. Promising signs. 

Jai Culley - This dude is massive. Really looks like he belongs with the key position players at his height. Thought he was solid in the guts without being a standout today. Come off after a solid tackle holding what looked like his wrist. Didn't look good but hopefully it's not too bad. 

JVR - Looks super fit, He was covering the ground much smoother and at one point had a big hard run down the wings taking a few bounces. I had to double take as I had not seen that from him before. 

Disco, Tmac, Lever - Solid as a rock these 3. I expect Petty will take the Tmac’s spot at some point but the loss of May won't hurt us at all. These blokes have it covered and all 3 are real leaders out there. Lots of “F*%K Yeahs” coming from Rick today as he encourages the young lads. He is by far the most vocal out there and he himself is looking fit and rejuvenated. 

Gawn - Just cruising. Still kicked the ball too much for my liking and needs to use the overlap hands more often but what can you say about Gawny. In second gear all day and still looking great. GOAT!

Jack Steele – So reliable and efficient. Looks and plays like a bloke who has mastered his craft. His experience and leadership will be huge for the kids moving forward. Great pickup and stopgap to reduce the impact of losing Clarry and Trac. 

Matt Jefferson - I should start by saying I have never been a Jeffo fan boy and had mentally moved on from the thought that he had much to offer us moving forward……However! I must admit he looked very good and impressed me in patches today. He is starting to look like he believes he can play the level and I saw a desperation in his game today that I had not seen before. Don't get me wrong he is never going to be the bloke who drops in front of a pack or put his head over the ball and busts through an opponent but he convinced me today that he definitely has something to offer us.

GATOR'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS

Rivers kicked 3 that I saw. All from set shots.

Heath battled hard against Gawn and took a couple of nice marks.

Howes was good. Got a lot of it and was strong in the air.

I thought Rivers, Windsor and Langford were the standouts.

Culley did his arm in the last few minutes.

The forwards play a very high press. There was often no-one in one half of the ground. Lots of switching and short passes to retain control combined with long down the line when needed. Lots of quick play and ball movement that occasionally came unstuck. We'll be trying to get out the back towards goal quite a lot.

Mihocek, van Rooyen and Jefferson all had their moments without starring.

Fritsch is a different player from last year, but you already knew that.

Sparrow was good.

Plenty took turns in the centre square.

Standing in the back pocket on the boundary line with Salem and Jiath while watching proceedings, Jarrad Rivers yelled out to Rick (Lever) about his positioning. Once play had moved up field Xavier Taylor turned around and yelled out to Rivers, "were you calling me "? Rivers shook his head. Taylor then nodded before saying, "call me Reg, or you can call me Daddy". Needless to say there were howls of laughter with Rivers telling Salem you're going to have to get that boy under control. He then told Petty the story of how Taylor told him to call him Daddy, before lamenting he gets enough grief at home.

Just a solid hitout with some good bits of play interspersed with some errors. I think Mihocek will be very important and a handy pick up, notwithstanding his age.

I left thinking we'll get a lot more of an even performance than the last couple of years and that I have no real clue how we'll go. I actually doubt we'll be worse and have a sneaky suspicion we could surprise a little to the upside. Pity I didn't see Latrelle.

I should add that Windsor's kicking was very good. We all know it's not always. I suspect his kicking is linked to his body health.

I'm not a fan of Tholstrup but thought he was one of the better players on the ground. He got quite a lot of it and used it pretty well. I find him a fumbler but only saw that once. It was my first preseason viewing but he looked noticeably better to me.

Salem ran laps at a good pace and seemed unhindered. He didn't take place in any of the match sim.

LACE OUT LARRY'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS

Lost count how many Rivers dobbed

Jefferson took some nice marks

Thought Berry looked good

The forward line looked more cohesive and Mihocek plays a good leading role there … good teacher

Langford kicked a pearler from outside 50. But something tells me that is regulation.

All of them looked sharp. No real standouts besides Rivers

A really searching session with drills after the match component.

MATT DEMON'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS

Culley injured, arm/shoulder. Using his jumper as a sling as he walks off into the rooms.

Confirmed by Troy Chaplin it's a broken arm, will have a plate put in and should only miss a couple of weeks.

TRENT KNIESE FROM NINE NEWS PROVIDED SOME TIDBITS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE MATCH SIMULATION

Melbourne match sim notes:

- Serious concerns with Jack Viney. Walked a few laps with Tom Campbell (who’s still in a neck brace) before sitting on the bench and putting sunnies on. Achilles injury is worse than first thought. Demons injury report on Jan 14 said “We expect him to return to full training in the next few weeks.” Almost a month on and he hasn’t progressed. He isn’t playing any time soon. Former captain still showing his love and passion for the club, helping coach from the sidelines and at quarter time.

- Steven May still on leave from Dees.

- Kysaiah and Latrelle Pickett absent, the pair are in Alice Springs for a marketing campaign with Northern Territory Tourism.

- Changkuoth Jiath didn’t take part in match sim and instead completed a running session. As did Jake Melksham, Christian Salem, Harrison Petty and Shane McAdam.

1st QTR: The Dees have stacked the defence and forward line for team blue, but are keeping it reasonably even in the midfield. Tom McDonald played in deep defence with Jake Lever on team blue. Daniel Turner down back also. Harvey Langford (spent time on wing), Jai Culley, Ed Langdon, Brody Mihocek and Jacob Van Rooyen other names on Blue. Team White includes, Max Gawn, Jack Steele and Trent Rivers.

QTR TIME: Blue: 5.4.34 to White 2.1.13

MFC REPORT ON THE MATCH SIMULATION

melbournefc.com.au

Match simulation report | Windsor runs rampant

Third-year Demon Caleb Windsor looked at home through the midfield.

The below match report has been produced by Melbourne Media, and does not represent the views of the club or coaching staff. 

SPEED machine Caleb Windsor has pushed his case for a place in the Demons midfield with an eye-catching match simulation showing at Casey Fields.

The former No. 7 selection in the 2023 National Draft showcased a clean pair of heels as he repeatedly burst free from stoppage for three early goal assists.

A running bomb from 50 rounded out his afternoon as the 20-year-old looks to cement a place in the guts after finishing 2025 in the middle.

Skipper Max Gawn returned to match play after a stint on the sidelines with a finger fracture, proving his fitness for next Saturday’s AFL State of Origin.

New Demon Max Heath took it right up to the eight-time All Australian, using his large frame to great effect in and around the stoppages.

Brody Mihocek made his first match simulation appearance after overcoming a toe injury dating back to last year’s finals series with the Magpies.

The veteran forward paired well with Jacob van Rooyen ahead of the ball, providing a target down the line and kicking two goals across three terms of action.

The 22-year-old van Rooyen was everywhere as he continued his strong pre-season campaign, looking mobile and athletic as he presented again and again.

The midfield battle was a juicy one as Windsor, Langford, Steele, Culley, Rivers, Sparrow and Tholstrup locked horns, rotating between blue and white sides each term.

Trent Rivers showcased his ability to be a damaging playmaker through the middle, pouncing on back half turnovers to kick three majors.

Langford and Steele were busy as they racked up the football on the inside.

Daniel Turner looked the goods down back, taking a number of intercept grabs alongside Blake Howes who also turned in an impressive performance.

Bayley Fritsch (four goals) was the top goalscorer for the afternoon, with his clinical finishing around goals always threatening.

Harry Sharp was another Demon to return to the fray after suffering a hamstring injury late last year, using his pace to get free and put the finishing touches on some highlight plays.

First-year draftee Tom Matthews also got his first taste of the action after arriving at the club with a meniscus injury last year.

The zippy small forward showed run and carry and managed to finish the three terms with a goal on the board.

Ed Langdon ran hard on the wings, using his trademark engine to push from goalsquare to goalsquare and find himself out the back of the play for two goals.

Ricky Mentha, Kysaiah and Latrelle Pickett were all absent from training as they visit Alice Springs on a club community trip.

Total Goals

Fritsch 4, Rivers 3, van Rooyen, Chandler, Langford, Mihocek, Langdon 2, Mathews, Gawn, Windsor

I very much enjoyed watching those highlights.

I am however somewhat ashamed to say that I didn't recognise half the players!