It’s late February. Two teams widely predicted to finish near the foot of the AFL table in 2026 face off against each other in sweltering 30-degree heat deep in outer suburbia in a match simulation with fresh new faces and uneven team numbers. There are no nearby sheep stations on offer; the result promises nothing more than bragging rights for the winner. Nevertheless, the loser appears hopelessly adrift, whereas the other seems to have found its footing after a couple of years of struggle – perhaps a hint at bigger things to come?

Actually, it’s more than just a hint. What we saw in Melbourne’s emphatic 86-point win (including Harry Sharp’s goal in the final two minute simulation) over North Melbourne was fast movement, pace and more pace, a mixture of old and new that may well put to rest one of the myths of the 2025 post season.

Whenever I was involved in a discussion about the club’s future, I was told that the Demons were doomed in the short to medium term because they would struggle to replace their two hard nosed midfield premiership champions in Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. That pair, along with Angus Brayshaw who retired two years ago with recurring concerns about concussion formed a midfield par excellence in 2021 with Jack Viney who now faces a long stint on the sidelines following Achilles surgery.

Leaving aside off field and locker room issues, the problem with that is the fact that by 2025, the midfield had become out of touch with the new modern game; despite being served by a multiple All-Australian ruckman, it was ranked 13th in clearances and when it won the ball out the middle, the connection with the forwards left much to desired. It was abysmal. Enter new coach Steven King and the new guard that promised swifter and smarter movement of the ball around the field.

The first glimpses were there on Friday afternoon.

Kozzie Pickett was already transitioning into more midfield minutes and he continued in his role mixing it with explosive movement inside the forward line. He was joined up there in combination with his brilliant cousin Latrelle who dazzled with his quick footwork in a great first up display. The pair promise to wreak havoc anywhere from the middle of the ground to the goal line.

The new look midfield was complemented by former Saints captain Jack Steele, promising youngster Harvey Langford and premiership pair Trent Rivers and Tom Sparrow who have spent years waiting for the opportunities that now await them. The refreshing thing about Steele was his steadiness in and around packs and his reliability around goal.

This new generation in the engine room is giving new freedom of opportunity for the forwards. Brodie Mihocek had a brief two goal cameo before going off on concussion protocols but his replacement, the uncapped Luker Kentfield, complete with Batman-like mask to protect a facial injury, staked his claim with three nice goals of his own. Jacob van Rooyen and Bayley Fritsch were always dangerous and Kade Chandler, effective as always.

The performances of another former Saint in big Max Heath as cover for Max Gawn who was rested after State of Origin duties, with the assistance of Kentfield suggest that the club’s recruiting for specific needs is a likely winner.

The talk of the town might be the impact of the two Picketts and the new found midfield but the resurgence of the defence should not be underestimated. The leadership of Jake Lever and Tom McDonald, the growing stature of Daniel Turner and the rise in confidence of Blake Howes were instrumental in containing the opposition to a sub 50 point score.

Newcomer Changkuoth Jiath was lively with some ground breaking runs in the first half and Koltyn Tholstrup and Xavier Lindsay showed the benefit of the development time they have experienced. We also saw a glimpse of 2025 first round pick Xavier Taylor.

Let’s not forget that a year ago, the Demons thrashed the Roos in a preseason game at Arden Street only to have the table turned decisively in Round 2. Still, while you’re only as good as your opposition, the season’s first competitive workout suggests that a lot more has been found than lost over the post season.

MELBOURNE 6.3.39 9.8.62 13.11.89 20.15.135

NORTH MELBOURNE 2.4.16 4.6.30 6.6.42 7.7.49

GOALS

MELBOURNE K Pickett 5 Kentfield 3 Chandler Mihocek Steele 2 Fritsch Langford Laurie Sharp Tholstrup van Rooyen

NORTH MELBOURNE Darling Larkey 2 Duursma Powell Zurhaar

BEST

MELBOURNE K Pickett Steele Langford Lindsay Turner L Pickett

NORTH MELBOURNE Simpkin Davies-Uniacke Larkey Daniel

INJURIES

MELBOURNE Brodie Mihocek (concussion)

NORTH MELBOURNE Riley Hardeman (ankle)

REPORTS

MELBOURNE Nil

NORTH MELBOURNE Nil

CROWD TBA at Casey Fields

VFL

CASEY DEMONS 5.1.31 7.2.44 12.5.77

NORTH MELBOURNE 3.2.20 8.7.55 11.12.78

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Ah-Mu Laplanche Matthews 2 Bowden Cheffers Kentfield Onley Sharp

A good summation .

A very different looking Dees. No longer stop/start...no more slow hesitations allowing defenders all the time in the world to set up.

Much better use out of the middle.

Much to like. Bodes well imho.

Now for some real competition... bring it on.

Our most pressing issue is to remember to say "Thanks, Saints."

The need for speed in running and ball movement has been addressed. Looks exciting, there will be challenges for sure, but lots to look forward to in 2026!