Demonland

Jake Lever isn’t interested in sugar coating the pain of being dropped last season for the first time in his AFL career. It was round 16 in a season going nowhere for Melbourne and coach Simon Goodwin was desperately trying to find a circuit-breaker. Lever had a long list of injuries he was carrying – ankle, knee, shoulder and foot. But when coach Goodwin called him into a meeting, there was no equivocation. Lever wasn’t being managed or rested. He was being dropped to Casey. Seven months on, the Demons All Australian believes the pain of being dropped has spurred him to a faultless pre-season that should set him up for a strong bounce-back year. Speaking about the episode for the first time, he believes he handled the demotion in the only way he knows how. Take it on the chin, agree to disagree, make sure it doesn’t happen again. “On reflection, that was something I was really disappointed in as a senior player,” Lever told the Herald Sun in an exclusive interview from Callaway Golf’s Quantum launch event this week. “In the end I guess it sort of drove me this off-season to train really hard and make sure that I don’t put myself in that position again this year. It was just the first time it’s ever happened in my career. “So I’ve had an 11-year career where I had my spot every week and then to lose it, it was bloody tough. I was disappointed but I felt like I handled it pretty well. Went and played really well in the VFL and they got back in the next week and the rest is history. So, yeah, hopefully it’s the only time in my career. “I guess it was tough at the time, and then you get your mates texting and everything like that. But in the end, it was good that it was sort of out there, because then it sort of ripped the band aid off and moved on pretty quickly.” If Lever’s jaw dropped when he was told of the decision by the Demons football department, he is thankful he didn’t choose anger as the response. Even if he was a little bit tempted. “I don’t think I went aggressive. I was pretty short and sharp. We had a pretty good discussion the next day. I still sit here to this day and I don’t agree with it but that’s (Goodwin’s) opinion and match committee’s decision and so for me it’s kind of over now and hopefully it doesn’t happen again.” The new broom that swept through Melbourne with Steven King’s appointment saw Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver traded, with contracted key back Steven May remaining only when rivals decided against trade bids. If the reporting that Lever was “blindsided” by his omission was correct, he says any trade speculation was always wide of the mark. “It was definitely not ever there. It’s funny. Going back two trade speculations, one was true and one wasn’t,” the ex-Adelaide defender says. “You have to sit back and laugh. For me it was a bit of a shock at the start. You have to do your due diligence. And I rang the club and said, ‘Is this from you?’ And it was definitely not from them. So I said, ‘Well, I don’t want to go anywhere’. “So yeah, I’m really happy with where I’m at now, and I’m really excited about this year. “It was a big list of injuries I had last year and not doing any pre-season was hard so I haven’t missed a session, touch wood. I just love being out there. It’s what I love doing and it’s what I noticed missing so much last year, just being out there. It’s been great to do the whole pre-season.” May was told in no uncertain terms he would likely be moved on when his contract finished in 2027 but after his aborted trade dealings is in no hurry to give up his spot despite the selection crunch. “He’s been great. We live right near each other, so we did a few off-season and Christmas break sessions together, and he’s moving really well,” Lever said. “He’s done some things at training, the typical Steven May things he does. And I think the best thing for him was sort of a little bit the same as me. Kick in the arse and rip the bandaid off and get back on day one. And it was all smiles. He’s just part of the Melbourne footy club for this year, and that’s just what it is. The Demons might be unrecognisable in many ways this year under King. Changkuoth Jiath has slotted in seamlessly across half back to replace Jake Bowey, out with a navicular fracture and also recently having cut off a small slice of a finger in an accident fixing his bike. The game plan is up tempo and aggressive, with defenders asked to buy into the rebounding game. Kozzie Pickett has the keys to the midfield and will work in concert with cousin Latrelle, taken at pick 12 behind No.11 selection Xavier Taylor in last year’s national draft. “Don’t go anywhere near him. He is as quick as anyone,” Lever said of Latrelle. “And Kozzie has had a great pre-season so that;s been really exciting. He’s a 24-year-old guy who has signed a big contract but he’s doing some things now which are really special. He has Latrelle at the club and they are living together. It’s been amazing. Latrelle can do some pretty special things too. “So it’s exciting. We have obviously had some really good drafts in the last three years. We ave had two early picks in all three years. Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay, Caleb Windsor, Koltyn Tholstrup, and they are all doing well so we are excited.”

How many MFCSS booster shots have you had now? 😜

Casey will be playing North Melbourne in the match simulation at Casey Fields on Friday 20th February @ 2:30pm prior to the Demons vs Kangaroos practice match. The VFL hit-out will consist of three 25-minute quarters, with six-minute breaks between each period.

MELBOURNE’S pre-season preparations will step up a gear on Friday 20 February, with the Dees set to take on North Melbourne in a match simulation at Casey Fields. The hit-out will be Melbourne’s first match simulation against external opposition this pre-season, offering a valuable opportunity for players to build match fitness as preparations continue for the 2026 AFL season. The match simulation will begin at 4.30pm and will be played under modified conditions, with no limit on players or rotations. The contest will consist of four 25-minute quarters, with the clock stopping after goals only. Quarter breaks will be set at six minutes for the first and third intervals, with a 15-minute main break, while a two-minute scenario will be played at the end of the second and fourth quarters using full match timing. Earlier in the day, Casey Demons will also be in action at Casey Fields, featuring in a match simulation starting at 2.30pm. The VFL hit-out will consist of three 25-minute quarters, with six-minute breaks between each period. Fans attending Casey Fields can also enjoy a range of partner activations, activities and food trucks throughout the day, including face painting, Demon Shop and membership activations, SEDA inflatables, the Demon Army sausage sizzle, and a carnival ride, making it a great day out for the whole family. For those unable to attend, every match simulation will be broadcast exclusively live on Fox Footy, available via Kayo Sports and Foxtel.

Full fixtures for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season and 2026 VFLW season will be released in coming weeks.

melbournefc.com.auEmbrace the pressure | van Rooyen’s fresh mindsetJacob van Rooyen is heading into 2026 with a fresh mindset, ready to embrace the pressure as a key forward

Kane Cornes has ranked every premiership team since 2000. These rankings are based on who Cornes believes simply had the best list, the best group of players, the best team. The romantic storylines and the fairytale nature of some of these Grand Final triumphs have not been considered. The teams have been ranked from 26 to 1. Cornes’ premiership rankings26 - Western Bulldogs (2016)“A remarkable story to break a 62-year drought,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast. “But they only had two All-Australians that year, both on the bench - Matt Boyd and the Bont. “They just had role players everywhere - Hamling, Biggs, Picken, Cordy, McLean, Roberts, Dahlhaus, Roughead, Dickson. “There was no doubt they were favoured by the umpires in the Grand Final win over Sydney.” 25 - Sydney (2005)“I don’t know how they won a premiership looking through this list of 22 that played on that day. “They broke a 72-year premiership drought. They beat West Coast in an epic Grand Final after averaging 68 points in the finals series. “This speaks to what a master coach Paul Roos was and how well drilled and tough they were. “But with names like Saddington, Roberts-Thomson, Bolton, Mathews, Fosdike, Buchanan, Jolly, Schneider, Dempster, Ablett. “Other than Adam Goodes and Barry Hall at this stage of their careers - Ryan O’Keefe, Nick Davis and Micky O’Loughlin were excellent players - but the star factor was Hall and Goodes. “It was remarkable that this team won a premiership. They played contested and accountable, but barely any stars anywhere.” 24 - Richmond (2017)“They also broke a drought, 37 years, off the back of a 13th placed finish win 2016. “They had two All-Australians (Alex Rance and Dustin Martin) that year and it was the emergence of one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen with one of the best individual years (Martin). “Hosted a Qualifying Final when they didn’t deserve it and beat Geelong. They definitely had some fortune to have that game played in front of 70 per cent of your fans on your home deck. “The year was built off swarming front-half pressure, almost revolutionised the game with that tactic and everyone tried to copy it. “It’s remarkable that this group won. A different story as they went on to build this dynasty but when looking through the names - Astbury, Grimes turned out to be an excellent player but at that stage probably wasn’t, Ellis, Grigg, Lambert, Butler, Caddy, Edwards, Broad, Graham, McIntosh - a lot of role payers. “A great story because it was a pivotal moment for the club. But in terms of superstars throughout the lineup at that stage in 2017, they weren’t there, other than the emergence of Dusty.” 23 - Richmond (2020)“That was a strange year. “At the Gabba in that Grand Final Dustin Martin turned it on again. “But I don’t think they were the best team that year.” 22 - Collingwood (2010)“They won the premiership in a rematch after drawing with St Kilda. “They actually had four All-Australians that year - Heritier Lumumba, Alan Didak, Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury. “They won a lot of games but I think if you’re looking through their lineup and the journeyman and the role players - Brown, Toovey, Ben Johnson, Jolly, Macaffer, Wellingham, Goldsack. “I don’t think that was a strong lineup, and if the ball had bounced a different way then they may not be premiers. “I think it’s the right ranking for them. They played 18 games at the MCG that year including the last 11 so I just deduct points for that.” 21 - Hawthorn (2008)“This is the young Hawks who had an average age of 22.7 which was one of the youngest lists. “Buddy Franklin was 21 and kicked 100, they had two All-Australians - Luke Hodge and Franklin. “It was the first year of the revolutionary Clarko’s Cluster. “They beat Geelong and were $3.75 in a two-horse race to win that game. It was the start of the dynasty they would go on, but definitely ahead of their time. “Young, Renouf, Ellis, Guerra, Ladson, Gilham, Campbell, these are some of the names that won a premiership in this year.” 20 - Sydney (2012)“The Hawks were hot favourites and Sydney were outsiders. “They only had two All-Australians, Ted Richards was an unlikely All-Australian, and Josh Kennedy was a star. “Adam Goodes was 33 this year so it wasn’t the prime version of him. “Hawthorn’s inaccuracy hurt them kicking 11.15 after being the minor premiers and the highest scoring team so they would feel like that was one that got away. “When you look at the Swans’ names - Smith, Johnson, Mattner, Malceski, Jack, Roberts-Thomson, McGlynn, Pyke, Bird, Fosdike, Morton.” 19 - West Coast (2018)“I give extra credit for interstate teams, particularly if you come from Perth, and you win a premiership. Should be worth one and a half premierships I reckon. “They conceded the first five goals, then Jack Darling dropped an easy mark and you thought that this moment had got a bit too big for them. “Andrew Gaff, Nic Naitanui and Brad Sheppard all missed the Grand Final so you’ve got to factor that in. They had the two All-Australians that played - Gaff was AA this year, and they had Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn. “Some of the names - Schofield, Jetta, Cole, Redden, Hutchings, Vardy, Venables.” 18 - Melbourne (2021)“It was another interesting year which was still affected by COVID. “The themes of what I’ve been doing so far to this point is that’s been a lot of role players, but this team was built on stars. “They had five All-Australians that year - Clayton Oliver in his prime, Christian Petracca in his prime, Max Gawn was captain of the AA team, Jake Lever and Steven May just sensational. “It was Kozzy Pickett and Luke Jackson’s first year, so great drafting from the Demons. First premiership in 57 years. “I probably took a couple of points off because it was a weird year, whether that’s fair or not…” 17 - Port Adelaide (2004)“Added points for knocking off the three-time champs going for four (Brisbane Lions). “Two All-Australians in that year. Warren Tredrea was the best centre half-forward in football for four years in a row - a destructive force who was absolutely in his prime. Chad Cornes got his first AA playing a new role across centre half-back. “Some players that were stars but through injury or whatever reason probably didn’t get the accolades they deserved. Roger James was a star footballer, Stuey Dew in his absolute prime, Byron Pickett won the Norm Smith Medal. “The team was built around some recruits like Damien Hardwick, Darryl Wakelin and Brett Montgomery. We were without Josh Francou and Matthew Primus, and Brendon Lade was really under the weather leading in. “We knocked off the champs and we were dominant force throughout a four-year period. In the home and away season.” 16 - Brisbane (2024)“They went 14-8-1. They finished fifth and became only the second team to win the premiership from outside the top four. “It was a remarkable season. They had a couple of All-Australians in Neale and Zorko, but they had injuries everywhere, mainly ACLs. “Coleman, Doedee, Gardiner and McCarthy were injured, and it was all about the comeback in the finals series. “They were 44 down midway through that third term in the semi against the Giants and then four goals down against Geelong in that prelim before smacking Sydney in the Grand Final. “But they were so talented.” 15 - Collingwood (2023)“At 15, I’ve got Collingwood of 2023. “Nick Daicos was injured in Round 21, and he only came back for the prelim final and was able to fit pretty well straight back in. He had had 28 in the prelim final and had nearly 30 in the Grand Final. “They had three All-Australians, Darcy Moore, and both of the Daicos boys. “The home and away was strong. They finished 1st at 18-5. “They were the Globetrotters. They moved the ball so freely off halfback. We loved the way that they played, and Craig McCrae captivated us by his new age coaching style.” 14 - Geelong (2011)“At 14, I've got Geelong in 2011, that it was their 3rd Premiership in 5 years. “It was the first year of Chris Scott. They had three All-Australian selections with Scarlett, Enright and Kelly. “They won the first 13 games of the season in that year and were a dominant home and away side. “They ended up finishing second at 19-3 and they were the only side that Collingwood lost to for the whole year. “It was also the first year without Gaz, so to be able to dot hat without him was a remarkable effort.” 13 - Brisbane (2025)“At 13, I've got Brisbane last year. “It's amazing when you looked at their emergencies on the Grand Final day last year. That's why they were prepared to roll the dice with Lachie Neale, because they had no one left. “They were without Answerth, Coleman, Doedee, Hipwood, McCarthy and Payne. “Neale had his battles, and no Daniher who was in his first year of retirement. There was no one left. They were depleted. “They went into the Grand Final underdogs, but they were able to get it done. “They went 16-6-1 in the home and away season to finished third. But for them to be able to back up and do what they did, there is absolutely extra points for this amazing Brisbane side, which is chock full of young and old talent. “They have great resilience, this team.” 12 - Geelong (2022)“At 12, I've got Geelong of 2022. “They were a dominant home and away team at 18-4. they finished first, and they were destroying teams in the finals series. “They beat Brisbane by 71 in a prelim and they then smashed Sydney in the Grand Final by 81. “They won 16 straight to finish the season, this Geelong side, and they were the third oldest Grand Final team. “They had five All-Australians in Tom Hawkins, Tyson Stengle, Jeremy Cameron, Mark Blicavs and Tom Stewart. “They were a remarkable team, and it is a credit to them to be so high on this list.” 11 - Richmond (2019)“If you’re up this end you’re a bloody good team. “The 2019 Richmond premiership side comes in at 11. I think this was the best of the three (Tigers flags). “They absolutely smashed teams in the finals. They beat Brisbane in the Qualifying Final by 47, beat Geelong by 19 in the Prelim and then the disastrous Grand Final for the Giants. “They only had two All-Australians with Dylan Grimes and Bachar Houli, but they finished the season winning 12 in a row. They really kicked into gear when the business end came. “What a team over a number of years but I think this was the best of them - Cotchin, Lynch, Riewoldt all in their prime, Vlastuin, Houli had an unbelievable finals series, Rioli was up and flying and the one and only Dustin Martin doing what he was doing. “A very, very good team.” 10 - Hawthorn (2014)“This has a little bit of bias to it because we (Port Adelaide) played them in the prelim that year, we kicked 3.9 in the first quarter and they ended up winning by three points. “I thought they were beatable. As good as they were I thought they had a few chinks in their armour. They won four games by under 10 points so they were the kings of the close finish. “They had three All-Australians - Jordan Lewis, Luke Breust and Jarryd Roughead, who had an unbelievable year without Buddy (Lance Franklin), kicking 75 goals. “The way they were able to handle Franklin’s exit, you give them extra points. “It was the year Clarko had a bit of a health crisis as well, so the maturity of the team being able to handle him missing for five games. “They were the highest scoring team in the league that year. Extra points for going back-to-back because it’s so difficult to do.” 9 - West Coast (2006)“They had four All-Australians - Darren Glass, Ben Cousins, Chris Judd and Dean Cox. “They were very good in close games winning six games by 10 points or less. “This team has three all-timers in Cox, Cousins and Judd. Gee, they had some good players. Glass was a good player, Daniel Kerr at the peak of his powers. “I really liked this team, they were well balanced with good role players like Selwood, Jones; Braun and Fletcher were good players, Wirrpanda was a very good player, Stenglein played an important defensive role through the midfield, Embley won the Norm Smith on the wing. “Perhaps a little bit higher than some people would have had them. But for the star factor and the all-timers they had and the destructive midfield they come in at nine.” 8 - Hawthorn (2015)“They actually lost the first final to West Coast by 32 points. “They had three All-Australians - Josh Gibson, Cyril Rioli and Sam Mitchell - and they had stars everywhere. “When you win three in a row you’ve got be right up there. I’m sure some people would have had this team higher but I’ve got them at eight. “Great players everywhere - Roughead, Hodge, Burgoyne, Gibson, and some big time performers. Cyril Rioli, Brad Hill was a good player, Birchall was a good player “The all-conquering Hawks at eight. To win three in a row is almost impossible.” 7 - Brisbane (2003)“This was the weakest of the three-peat which is incredible to think an interstate team with all that travel and workload won three in a row. “This was a side that was starting to get wounded and banged up - Lappin, Lynch, Brown all starting to feel the effects of the way that they played and the long campaigns. “In my research I read that Leigh Matthews said in that Grand Final the club’s medicos used 18 vials of painkillers. Whether that’s myth or fact, I don’t know, but it makes sense. “They won on pure grit, toughness and experience. Three All-Australians that year - Justin Leppitsch, Nigel Lappin and Michael Voss. “Of the three of their premierships, that was the one that was the weakest.” 6 - Hawthorn (2013)“This was a powerful unit. “The thing I loved about this team was the motivation that they had from 2012 (loss to Sydney). You hear all the players from this team speak about how much 2012 hurt, and how they wanted to make a statement. “Just two All-Australians that year - Sam Mitchell and Jarryd Roughead. So some were overlooked or maybe that’s just a sign of how even they were. “It’s a very good side and six is pretty high out of 26 teams.” 5 - Brisbane (2001)“They were the team that knocked off the Essendon side who had only lost two games in two years. If it bleeds you can kill it. “They went on a 16-game winning streak and had four All-Australians. The ‘fab four’ absolutely arrived - Jason Akermanis, Michael Voss, Simon Black and Nigel Lappin. “It was Jonathan Brown’s second season. He was so crucial to how they structured up with his physicality. “Just a tough, angry, hard and brilliant side.” 4 - Geelong (2009)“This was difficult. “This was maybe one of the most stacked teams you’ve ever seen. They had five All-Australians - Corey Enright, Matthew Scarlett, Joel Selwood, Paul Chapman and Gary Ablett - and also had three other players nominated. “This team stacks up against anyone. Where is the weakness in this team? “I’ve got them at four and it might be the most stacked team there is. It’s a very good football team but there is one Geelong team that I think is better.” 3 - Essendon (2000)“The third best premiership side this century. Some are going to be unhappy with this. “They set the record for the most consecutive wins in a single season with 20. They won the pre-season cup, the minor premiership and the premiership in the same year. “Their average winning margin was 51 points. They had four All-Australians - Dustin Fletcher, Damien Hardwick, James Hird and Matthew Lloyd - and ‘Sheeds’ (Kevin Sheedy), the legend, was named coach of the year. “Deducted points because whilst this exercise was just for that year, I had to split them somehow. So the teams that won more than one in that era just got extra points. “Was there just a weakness in the midfield for this group? Comparing the other midfields to the other teams at the top. Misiti, Heffernan, Blumfield, Jason Johnson - is that as good? If this group went up against the next teams we’re about to talk about, who would win? “I personally think they’d get, not obliterated, but sorted out in the midfield. “But they were tough, they were hard, they were intimidating. They’re the third best team this century so it’s pretty good. “They just weren’t able to capitalise the dominance and parlay this one win into two, three or four.” 2 - Brisbane (2002)“They defeated Collingwood by nine points in one of the most brutal wet weather Grand Finals you’ve ever seen. “They had five All-Australians - Jason Akermanis, Simon Black, Chris Johnson, Nigel Lappin and Michael Voss. “This was an unbelievable football team, this was the best of the Lions’ three flags. “If you put this group up against the 2000 Essendon side, Brisbane win if all things are equal. This midfield group led by the ‘Fab Four’ and the forward line they had - Brown, Bradshaw, Lynch, the smalls running around and their goal-kicking midfielders was freakish. “They have just been nudged out by the 2007 Geelong group.” 1 - Geelong (2007)“I think this is the best team this century. “They had nine All-Australians - Gary Ablett Jnr, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey, Matty Egan, Stevie Johnson, Cameron Ling, Darren Milburn, Cam Mooney and Matt Scarlett - and Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson was the coach. “They smashed teams in the finals, they beat North Melbourne by 106 in the Qualifying Final, they got through in a tight Prelim Final and then smashed Port Adelaide by a record Grand Final margin (119 point). “I’m not sure a team will do that again, win two of the three finals by 100-plus points. “They had guns absolutely everywhere and this was the best team, headlined by their group of nine All-Australians. “This was the best team of them all.”

A plethora of Demonland Trackwatchers were once again out in force to bring you their preseason training observations from Wednesday morning's open session at Gosch's Paddock. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSPRESENT: May, JVR, Langford, Lindsay, Windsor, Lever, Steele, Turner, Gawn, Tholstrup, Culley, CJ, Langdon, Laurie, Taylor, Matthews, Jefferson, Howes, Rivers, McDonald, Adams, Heath, Mihocek, Sharp, Fritsch, Sparrow, Trelly, White, Petty (yellow hat), Kozzy, Chandler, Berry, Mentha, Onley, Johnson, Kentfield (yellow hat), AMW REHAB: Salem, Viney, Melksham, McAdam, Henderson, Bowey (bikes & water boy) ABSENT: Campbell (arrived late still in a neck brace) Petty’s Back!!! Petty & Kentfield in the fluoro hats. Assume that Petty may have had concussion which is why hasn’t been at training. First drill after the warmup has two separate groups on either wing between the 50m arcs doing a drill where the order of the day is very fast ball movement and playing on at all costs. A third smaller group doing one vs one where the ball kicked high to forward vs defender between May/Lever and JVR/Heath and then swapping which defender is on which forward. New drill. Players line up to kick to a leading forward running towards the kicker with one defender on his tail and another defender to his side as an interceptor. Immediately after that play another player will kick to that forward who has now tried to get out the back of the two defenders heading towards goal. Other drill. Keepings off handball drill 10 vs 7. McAdam who now has taping on his left knee is doing some runs on the boundary with Reece Conca. Melksham running laps. Salem working with a trainer doing some light changing directions runs between cones. Viney doing some light very small two legged bunny hops in a straight line. Henderson & Bowey on the bikes in the shed. Players doing 200 metre fast runs in groups of 5 along the boundary. Perhaps a mini Match SIM about to start. Max, Petty (yellow no contact hat), Kentfield (yellow no contact hat), Sharp & AMW have peeled off from the group to train separately. Forwards (Blue): Mihocek, Chandler, Mentha, Fritsch Defenders (White): May, Howes, Adams, CJ, Taylor Forwards (White): JVR, Jefferson, Trelly, Matthew, Laurie Defenders (Blue): Turner, Lever, TMac, Berry Rucks (Blue): Johnson Rucks (White): Heath Mids (Blue): Culley, Kozzy, Rivers Langford Mids (White): Windsor, Steele, Sparrow, Langdon Wings (Blue): Onley Wings (White): Kolt Match SIM is not a traditional SIM. Mids are setup on the wings with the plays starting either from a loose ball on the wing or from a free kick from half back. Plays are mostly confined to one side of the ground along the wings. Jefferson running laps at a good clip. Max, Petty, Kentfield, AMW & Sharp running laps and are not participating in the contact SIM. THIRTY ONE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSSalo is doing buttsercises and stretches. Melksham and McAdams are in rehab along with Matthews, AMW. Viney has just shown up, in runners. Henderson and Bowey are walking and not in training guernseys. Matthews has joined the main training group. Lots of warm ups. Kick to kick, springs, quick off the mark exercises. Kick, handpass kick. Three groups. Finding space, up and down between the arcs, closer more congested work, forwards contested marking. So far, the only players who aren't joining the main group are Salem, Melksham, McAdam, Viney, Bowey and Henderson. Mihochek has joined the main group. I don't remember seeing him in it before. Pretty sure that Roo just brought Culley down in a great tackle. Looks like keepings off for that group, two defenders on one forward on this side. Finding space and leading is the name of that game. Jeffo is in runners. Running the boundary. Pretty sure AMW is here, as is Bowey. Bowser is on the bike right now. Sharp running the boundary now too. Jeffo back in the match sim. Tom Campbell is here, still in neck brace and with kiddo. Max did a bit of match sim. By the last quarter of it, a few of the players were gassed. They were yelling for Roo to take some centre work but he was off field, cooling off a bit. He did some running and was back out there after a break. After all, not many players do the whole two hours of the game. Same with a few other players, particularly the young blokes. The match sim often doesn't use the rucks - the "umpire" throws the ball in a random direction and whoever is closest gets possession and starts the sim. Also they played some of it without full forward/pockets/full back at one end. I think it was a bit of a lighter session. The players would disagree I think. Also if I heard correctly, there's no training on Friday. The players are on a four day break after today's session. Reporting on training for Demonland is harder than it looks, especially with a phone that is determined to use the wrong words and change a player's name. Anyway, it wound up at 12:15 with a lot of gassed players. Happy birthday to Disco Turner! GREG SCHNEIDER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSNovice track watcher here but was a bit of an ordinary session? Not a whole lot to take out of it or be impressed by. Not sure what I was expecting but felt a bit flat and skills were average. Granted, Ricky Mentha suprised me and could get games on the wing/half forward this year, looks like he’s really improved. Good number of players out on the park, the few in rehab don’t look far away at all so I think we’re doing well in that area. I’ll also add- JVR looks a different player, in fact I didn’t even realise it was him until halfway through the session because he is moving so much smoother, he looks lighter and more agile, think last year he was too heavy and that was part of the issue, running really well HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSA bit of repetition but here goes. All players present but Tom Campbell joined the group in his neck brace, with his kids, towards the end of training. Those in rehab and looking some way away (6) - Bowey, Henderson, Viney, Melksham, McAdam (a particular concern as he now seems to be heavily favouring his left knee) and Salem (hard to judge what he has done - but doing only very light work today). Petty and Kentfield in fluoro caps (no contact) and did all the craft work, so no match sim for them, but suggest they are not far away. Same for Sharp, Gawn and AMW - did most of the drills, but no match sim. Match sim was interesting - with no Gawn or Campbell, Johnson and Heath do the ruck work. In and under were Steele, Rivers, Lindsay, Windsor, Kosi and Sparrow with Langdon and Culley setting up in one wing position and Langford and Tholstrup (Onley alternating) on the other side. We may be getting an insight into our mids this year....? Not Culley, not Langford - these two, with Langdon may rotate through the wings... ENTER SANDMAN 2021'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSThe summer training is moving more towards match sim -albeit with a lot of pauses for coaching and reiterating messages to the players. Latrelle was a highlight in the first proper match sim, kicking 3 goals by my count. He seems like a natural crumbing forward who takes his opportunities when they come his way. There was no clear A and B team today and a lot of positions are still up for grabs. It's unclear as yet who will be the starting midfield - Kossie, Langford, Rivers, Culley, Windsor, Steele, Sparrow, Kolt, Lindsay and Onley all ran through there today and Viney was watching from the sidelines. Most likely we will have more rotation through there in previous years and it is handy that several of those players can also play forward, back or wing as needed. Gawn was mostly working on running. I really like watching Steele's well rounded game - he has toughness, skills and endurance. He holds himself to a high standard and I think he will quickly become one of our most consistent contributors. It was good to see Checkers in the first match sim though he took the bike during the second one. I noticed him coaching Kalani at one stage which was good to see. May still strikes me as an important on-field leader and a great kick out of the backline even if his athleticism is starting to wane. I think this iteration of the team looks best when we are slicing and dicing across the field with pace from Kossie, Windsor, Rivers, Langdon plus guys like CJ and Taylor out of the backline, leading to mismatches and out the back goals in the forward line. With no Petracca, Oliver and Viney injured at the moment its unlikely we will be dominating the inside game each week but that's part of our team's evolution. We are still a work in progress and it will be interesting to see how Steven King reshapes our team - there will certainly be some exciting times this year but also perhaps times where we come up against our limitations. GEORGE ON THE OUTER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSAs @Greg Schneider noted as a novice track watcher....nothing to see here! Match Sims are not what we have come to expect or have seen in the past, they seem to be an exercise to work on a particular aspect of ball movement. Starting in the middle, there is a no contest between rucks and the ball just moves freely out. Maybe it is getting forwards to present, but there is no real tackling and because of the lack of numbers on the field you finish with really open forward lines, which would never happen in a real game.....make of it what you will. But I suspect the main match sims are being conducted behind closed doors at Casey, given the short time to season opener and a new coach trying to implement changes. I'll go out on a limb now....we will not see McAdam play a game this year. Barely, and I mean barely running, unable to extend one leg fully, and it is the end of January. Today looked even worse as he had a knee bandage on, then off and did the running with much less speed than even last week. Sadly, we will also see little of Viney. @Demonland mentioned his training is limited to half a dozen bunny hops. No running, not even walking the boundary. When he is finally able to get some running in, with the lack of the ability to do it now for months, means he will take a long, long time to get to necessary fitness levels. The same will inevitably apply to Bowey. The one thing noted by @thirty-one was correct.....at the end of the session, the players were gassed. All over the field they were on haunches sucking in the big ones. They are obviously being pushed harder than before. After two hours of "sims" and drills they finish with a series of 200m sprints. If it were me, the ambulance would be called. DEESPICABLE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSBased on what I saw, here's my stab at our team as it stands, minus all the injured players - I included Mihocek in the injured, but he did do most of the match sim today. This is my fourth pre-season session this year I've attended and my standouts have been - Kossie, Culley, Roo, Windsor and Salem (missing today of course) - but remember these 14 or 15-man style games suit running players who like space. Defenders (7) - We have lost quite a few of our small brigade and contrary to articles, Moniz-Wakefield would be a long shot to make it in time for Rd 1 as he is still in a graduated rehab phase. Smalls/Mids - Lindsay (may even do kick-ins if Salem is out for a while), CJ, Taylor and Howes Talls - Lever, Adams (based on desire to blood him and he does bring closing speed, but T-Mac has looked better and May is clearly better but out of favour), Turner Midfielders (9 includes ruck) - Based on today Heath gets in, but obviously Gawny is expected to be raring to go well before then. 1st rotation - Pickett (licence), Rivers, Steele; 2nd rotation - Windsor (licence), Sparrow, Langford* (also some wing duties). Wings: Culley, Langdon, Ruck: Heath (Gawn when fit) Forwards (7) - Roo, Fritsch and Chandler would be first picked and from then it's a bit of a lottery, but I'd expect the excitement of Latrelle will see him named for Rd 1. Personally I'd play May up forward, but that seems unlikely based on the training I've seen. Mihocek would play Rd 1 if fit as well. Smalls: Chandler, Latrelle. Mids: Fritsch, Tholstrup (just, although Mentha was busy today, but mega fumbly). Talls: JVR (playing lead-up high), Johnson (back up ruck), Jefferson (certainly not my choice, but it seems likely he will be trialled again more from the goalsquare). Left out based on today, but you'd think will be ready by Rd 1: Gawn, Mihocek, Salem, Petty Left out but unlikely to be ready by Rd 1: Viney, Melksham, Bowey, AMW. It's still a very decent side, even with our injuries, and the difference from recent years is that it is a very quick unit. Our issue will be our toughness in the contest, but we will play at breakneck speed. PS: Bet you I forgot someone! SALEMS LOT'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONSI got along for a bit of the middle session. Watched a very energetic 2 defenders on 1 forward with a midfielder kicking to their lead. Lever and May pair so well, they shut most of the forwards down Absolute stand outs were Disco as a defender and Roo and Fritta as forwards. Brody was heavily involved as well. The other one who seemed quite elusive was Bill Lawrie. Not quick but crafty. Still waiting to see what caused us to pick up Kolt. He is so keen but lacks a bit of class IMHO Damn they are fit!! They just go and go. Disappointing lack of soccer balls too. HERALD SUN * * summary in comment below Later in the day, the team assembled for team photos which included photo shots with player sponsors

The Steven King era at Melbourne is well and truly in motion ahead of the 2026 campaign, with the Demons continuing to build towards their first unofficial match in just over three weeks’ time. Melbourne hit Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday morning for a solid mid-week session, and it was one All-Australian defender who stood clearly above the rest. Down back, Jake Lever was a class above against his attacking teammates, with his kicking, intercept work and overall defensive composure consistently catching the eye. The 29-year-old was rarely, if ever, beaten in one-on-one contests and was among the loudest on the track, constantly organising and directing those around him. After an injury-interrupted 2025 campaign that limited him to just eight games — his equal-lowest return in 11 AFL seasons — Lever looks primed for a significant rebound. His long-time defensive partner Steven Maywas also in fine touch, thriving in drills designed to favour the forward and showing trademark competitiveness. May spent time locked in battle with Jacob van Rooyen, along with Tom McDonald, and impressed with his leadership by offering constructive feedback to the young key forward during the opening half of the session. Get all the latest AFL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now! Van Rooyen looked notably lean and fit, troubling defenders with his leading patterns and appearing ominous when creating one-on-one marking contests on the move. Delivering the ball to him and Melbourne’s other forwards were the likes of Harvey Langford and Koltyn Tholstrup, who were stationed between the arcs for the Demons’ full-ground transition drills that made up the latter half of the two-hour hit-out. Kysaiah Pickett and recruit Jack Steeleunsurprisingly featured heavily through the middle of the ground, with Pickett regularly breaking lines through run-and-carry before releasing teammates by hand. Pickett’s cousin, Latrelle Pickett, was among the most eye-catching performers of the session and made it abundantly clear why rival clubs were keen on the Glenelg product ahead of last year’s draft. The 20-year-old, who kicked 30 goals in Glenelg’s SANFL reserves last season, showcased his natural craft around goal while also producing several high-intensity defensive efforts through tackles and repeat sprints. Kysaiah Pickett (left) poses with Latrelle Pickett (right) after the latter was selected by the Melbourne Demons at the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images Third-year midfielder Caleb Windsor was busy throughout the full-ground drills, while Jai Culley again showed promise and continues to be tipped by good judges as a potential senior-level contributor in 2026. Uncapped 19-year-old Ricky Mentha looked impressive and dashy in moments too, and may loom as an option across half-forward this season. The pair of Aidan Johnson and Max Heathdueled in the ruck throughout the second half of Wednesday morning, in the absence of skipper Gawn. Johnson looked threatening in the air and could shape as a reliable forward-ruck option, while Heath looked strong in a contested setting. Utility Daniel Turner was solid down in defence, and at this stage looks poised to play the role of a third tall down back; a position he isn’t entirely unfamiliar with at the top level. Daniel Turner kicks out of defensive 50 during a full ground transition drill.Source: FOX SPORTS After starting just before 10am local time, the Demons players left the track around 12:15pm looking well spent after an eduring session in the bright Melbourne sun. INJURY WATCH A number of Demons were restricted to running duties as they continue to build back to full fitness. Captain Max Gawn (fractured finger), Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Harrison Petty and Luker Kentfield completed significant running around Gosch’s Paddock, with Petty and Kentfield wearing fluro ‘no-contact’ hats. Harry Sharp, who looked particularly fit, joined the group later in the session. Veteran Jake Melksham completed an extended block of high-intensity running, while Christian Salem was limited to slower-paced laps of the oval. Christian Salem runs laps of Gosch's Paddock on Wednesday January 28.Source: FOX SPORTS Foxfooty.com.au contacted the club last week regarding a potential hamstring complaint for Salem, but was told there were “no concerns” with his fitness. Shane McAdam continued rehabilitation from an Achilles injury after missing the entirety of last season, while Bailey Laurieshowcased a glove similar to his captain after hand surgery to repair a fracture. Inside midfielder Jack Viney was restricted to very light movement on the sidelines and observed the full-ground drills, and mature-age recruit Jack Henderson remained limited as he recovers from a sacrum (back) injury. Jake Bowey continued his rehab from a foot injury sustained late last year, and first-year small forward Tom Matthews was managed throughout the session as he recovers from a meniscus injury. Brody Mihocek ran laps towards the back end of training alongside ex-Hawk Changkuoth Jiath, with the former Pie looking relatively untroubled by a recent toe complaint.

B: Christian Salem, Harrison Petty, Daniel Turner HB: Blake Howes, Jake Lever, Xavier Lindsay C: Ed Langdon, Jack Viney, Caleb Windsor HF: Kozzy Pickett, Brody Mihocek, Jake Melksham F: Kade Chandler, Jacob van Rooyen, Bayley Fritsch Foll: Max Gawn, Harvey Langford, Trent Rivers I/C: Tom Sparrow, Jack Steele, Changkuoth Jiath, Jai Culley, Tom McDonald Emerg: Latrelle Pickett, Koltyn Tholstrup, Steven May, Xavier Taylor Some big-name departures over the off-season have made for a fresh start at the Demons, with the exits of midfield mainstays Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver opening the door for a new era in the engine room. Defender Trent Rivers and livewire forward Kozzy Pickett are set for increased midfield minutes, while young gun Harvey Langford and recruit Jack Steele are also expected to feature heavily. Jai Culley has been tearing up the track this pre-season, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he earns a spot in the starting 18 come round one, but veteran Jack Viney gets the nod at this stage. With Rivers set to be unleashed into the midfield, a spot starting spot across half-back is up for grabs, with second-year player Xavier Lindsay or recruit Changkuoth Jiath likely contenders. Jake Bowey would be a certain starter, but a Lisfranc injury is expected to sideline him until at least the middle of the season. How the rest of the backline shapes up remains equally intriguing, with an abundance of tall options at Steven King's disposal. The Dees tried to offload Steven May last trade period which suggests he could be down the pecking order at selection, with Jake Lever, Daniel Turner and Harry Petty likely ahead of him. However, Turner and Petty's ability to play forward keeps the door ajar for May if needs arise. Tom McDonald will also be heavily considered. First-round pick Xavier Taylor is unlucky to miss here, but he'll be given ample opportunity in his debut season. - Alison O'Connor

I pondered what way I should describe what he was doing and came up with two legged hops because they really weren't jumps in the sense that he was in no way getting very much air time off the ground. They were more like bunny hops.

Max, Petty, Kentfield, AMW & Sharp running laps and are not participating in the contact SIM.

Jefferson running laps at a good clip.

He is. Not participating in the contact SIM drill.

Match SIM is not a traditional SIM. Mids are setup on the wings with the plays starting either from a loose ball on the wing or from a free kick from half back. Plays are mostly confined to one side of the ground along

Forwards (Blue): Mihocek, Chandler, Mentha, Fritsch Defenders (White): May, Howes, Adams, CJ, Taylor Forwards (White): JVR, Jefferson, Trelly, Matthew, Laurie Defenders (Blue): Turner, Lever, TMac, Berry Rucks (Blue): Johnson Rucks (White): Heath Mids (Blue): Culley, Kozzy, Rivers Langford Mids (White): Windsor, Steele, Sparrow, Langdon Wings (Blue): Onley Wings (White): Kolt

Perhaps a mini Match SIM about to start. Max, Petty (yellow hat), Kentfield (yellow hat), Sharp & AMW have peeled off from the group to train separately.

Players doing 200 metre fast runs in groups of 5 along the boundary.

Henderson on the bikes.

Viney doing some light very small two legged bunny hops in a straight line.

Melksham running laps. Salem working with a trainer doing some light changing directions runs between cones.

McAdam who now has taping on his left knee is doing some runs on the boundary with Reece Conca.