Demonland

A lot of Jacks listed here: http://demonwiki.org/tiki-listpages.php?find=jack&go=Go

Fast and Furious Electric start. End to end footy. Breathtaking to watch live. A perfect Casey carnival atmosphere greeted fans — sunshine, an uncharacteristically gentle breeze, and no rain. It was the second week of Pride celebrations, and the #DeeArmy banner captured the vibe perfectly: 
“Our Grand Old Flag flies with Pride. Proud of this round. Proud of our side.” Nice work! This huge clash, with finals places on the line, got off to a blistering start with incredible ball movement up and down the ground. Scintillating stuff. Happily for us Demons fans, it was Melbourne who showcased their dynamic breadth of talent, delivering a convincing 44-point demolition of the Swans — and booking a spot in finals. This means Mick Stinear will coach his 100th AFLW game in Week One of Finals 2025. As for Sydney, they’ll need to beat both the Eagles and Bombers — and hope Lady Luck is on their side — to have any chance of playing finals. The Match 
It was a tight opening quarter, and it felt like Sydney were slightly on top. The Swans big bodies — Montana Ham (21 disposals, 7 tackles) and Tanya Kennedy shaded our mids early. Sydney kicked the first two goals via Cynthia Hamilton and Ruby Sargent-Wilson, and later a third through Holly Cooper. Goldie, already sporting a conversation piece from a mid-week training incident, clashed heads with a Swan and was helped from the ground with blood pouring from her nose. A born-and-bred Fox-Cab tough nut, she was back out playing in no time. Melbourne hit back with a couple from Eden Zanker (4 goals), and a highlights-reel contender from Kate Hore (25 disposals, 6 clearances) — a brilliant dribbler from the pocket. Her 97th career goal — equal with North’s Jasmine Garner. Ooh it’s close. We glance at the quarter-time stats sheet: Hanksy has had only 3 possessions. Hmm. Mick’s messaging must’ve landed during the huddle, because the Demons noticeably amped up their pressure, kicking seven unanswered goals across the next three quarters and keeping the Swans goalless. Game over. Tyla Hanks (22 disposals, 7 tackles) bounced back to be one of the best on ground. The midfield passing of Hanksy and Megan Fitzsimon (23 disposals, 440 metres gained) was a feature. Heater’s return added another midfield layer — combining speed, pressure, and elite tackling (8 tackles). Great game, Shell. Ry Wotherspoon (8 tackles) is impacting every week — a natural with ball in hand. Molly on a wing, a wax with Pax. Eliza Mac busy on the other side. The backline looked impenetrable, led by Maeve Chaplin (12 intercepts) and Tahlia Gillard (9 intercepts, 5 marks). Lampy, it’s so good to have you back. You too, Radar. A Jemma Gem
 Jemma Rigoni #43, our speedy Father-Daughter defender, was sent to mind the Swans’ dangerous distributor Zipporah Fish. An astute move by Mick — Jemma’s speed, height, and bigger body challenged Zippy: conversely Jem’s aerobic capacity was tested by Zippy. Marking a defender, Jemma found herself in unfamiliar forward territory, marked, and calmly slotted her first AFLW goal. All of her Demon teammates ran to celebrate. A moment to remember — and celebrated in the grandstand by her dad, Guy. Meggs’ musings
 We heard Swans superstar Chloe Molloy missed the game with a sore back. Meggs wondered whether it was from carrying her team this season. Worth the price of admission to watch Kate Hore and Zippy Fish — magic players with silky skills. This game has a huge future. We need more eyes on AFLW, it’s so much fun! In Flew Enza — the name hiding in Eden Zanker. Enza (Zanks) was clunking them today. Her eyes lit up every time Fitzy had the footy. Megan hits her up magnificently, time and time again. With Blaithin M almost out of rehab and a healthy list (minus Liv P), Mick has an arsenal of weaponry to challenge those kickass Kangaroos. We just need the opportunity. Meggs is starting to believe.
 How about you? Coaches and Next Week Mick Stinear got the response he was hoping for after last week in Fremantle. Gemma Bastiani and Mick waxed lyrical: “How good is Tyla Hanks?” Running out of superlatives. Scott Gowans said Melbourne’s second-quarter pressure was akin to finals footy — and his Swans couldn’t cope with the sustained effort. Next week (Round 11): Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena, Ipswich, Saturday 7:15pm. A shout out to our Queensland fans: get along and make some noise. PS: our last home and away game is versus Geelong at GMHBA on 1 November. Go Dees. MELBOURNE 2.1.13 6.3.39 9.5.59 9.11.65 SYDNEY SWANS 3.0.18 3.2.20 3.3.21 3.3.21 GOALS MELBOURNE Zanker 4 Bannan Harris Heath Hore Rigoni SYDNEY SWANS Cooper C Hamilton Sargent-Wilson BEST MELBOURNE Hanks Zanker Gillard Hore Heath Chaplin SYDNEY SWANS Ham McEvoy Mitchell Fish INJURIES MELBOURNE Nil SYDNEY SWANS Nil REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil SYDNEY SWANS Nil CROWD 2,277 at Casey Fields

@Mouseymoo @john delosa I don’t usually do this publicly but knock it off. Put each other on ignore and stop personally attacking each other and derailing threads with your petty grievances against one another. permanent ban next time. To everyone else if you see this again please report.

Part 3: A Brutal Time Coming On the subject of change, the most significant change at the Melbourne Football Club for 2025 has been the introduction of Steven King as senior coach. This is why. Cast your mind back to Saturday, 17 August 2024, a mild South Queensland afternoon in late autumn when the Melbourne Football Club travelled to People First Stadium to face and defeat the Gold Coast Suns in one of the team's standout performances in a disappointing season for the Demons. A dominant second half secured a decisive nine-goal victory, largely due to the solid leadership of captain Max Gawn, his tenacious deputy Jack Viney, and the ever-reliable Ed Langdon, who led a relatively young team that responded admirably against the Suns, effectively ending their finals aspirations with this win. What was particularly impressive about Melbourne's victory was that they achieved it without the services of their premiership stars Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Steven May. In retrospect, this game could be viewed as a pivotal moment, marking a turning point for the team to shift its focus from short-term goals to the future in an evolving football landscape. Within weeks of the team's successful northern venture, significant concerns emerged regarding the club's superstars, Petracca and Oliver. These issues have been well-documented: the underlying problems had been apparent for some time and were openly evident by season's end. In the case of the former, whose season was cut short due to a serious injury on King's Birthday against Collingwood, discerning observers had noted some warning signs in the preceding months. He had been exposed for a lack of pace by Harley Reid in the team's defeat at Optus Stadium. The frustration was clear and evident. Oliver's situation was even more problematic, involving ongoing on-field and off-field issues. Ultimately, the club opted to retain the star players and address the issues by papering over the cracks through a strategy of reassurance, support, and love from coach Simon Goodwin, which proved unsuccessful. The team lost its opening five games of 2025 and struggled for consistency throughout. There were highs (they beat premiers Brisbane at the Gabba) and lows (highlighted by shocking ball movement and disposal), and several close defeats. When they played Gold Coast at People First Stadium in Round 16, Petracca, Oliver, and May were in the side, which was humiliated with a goalless opening term but fought back over the remainder of the game, with the two midfielders performing well in an otherwise lacklustre effort. The team was listing, and once again finished the season in 14th place, recording a mere seven wins, five of them in a six-match stretch that ended by mid-season. The club’s only premiership coach in the last six decades was axed with three games to go for the season, and his ultimate replacement was Steve King. On 12 September 2025, King was appointed as the senior coach of the Melbourne Football Club, commencing with the 2026 AFL season. King became the 28th AFL/VFL senior coach of the club, being selected ahead of former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and other shortlisted candidates. Born in 1978, King played 240 AFL games across a 15-year stint at both Geelong and St Kilda, captaining the Cats for four seasons, achieving the ultimate success with them in 2007 as part of the premiership team. When his playing days ended with the Saints he remain there in a coaching role before moving to the Western Bulldogs where he was part of the coaching panel when the Dogs won the 2016 premiership against Sydney and lost the 2021 Grand Final to Melbourne. He took a senior assistant coaching role at Gold Coast in 2022, and was appointed caretaker coach for seven matches at the end of 2023 after Stuart Dew was sacked. He returned to Geelong, where he has worked with the midfield for the past two seasons. The “inside” word is that he was the superior candidate but there were touches of irony in King’s appointment. His birthplace was Shepparton in northern Victoria, which was part of the Demons’ country zone at the time. In the 2005 elimination final, King accidentally kicked Melbourne’s Jeff White in the face, necessitating extensive surgery for the Demon’s ruckman. The incident was investigated by the AFL match review panel, which found King had no case to answer. There’s every chance that King will soon be coaching White’s son Kalani, who has nominated for selection as a Demon in next month’s AFL Draft under the father/son rule. That elimination final game proved to be a brutal one for Melbourne, which suffered a number of injuries, compounding the disappointment of being eliminated from the finals. Apart from White, Johnstone (ankle), McDonald (calf), Rigoni (concussion), and Wheatley (adductor) were nursing injuries after the game, while the Cats’ Steve Johnson was reported for rough conduct against Demon Ben Holland. However, if you think this game was brutal, it pales in comparison to the ruthlessness King and the club’s list management team have exhibited in his first month as Demon coach in asserting ownership of his new role at the club - it marked a brutal time coming, already a time of remarkable change for the Melbourne Football Club. To be continued …

Condolences to Amber’s family from myself and all of us at Demonland. 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

Fin

MELBOURNE B: D.Turner, S.May, C.Salem HB: T.Rivers, J.Lever, J.Bowey C: E.Langdon, J.Viney, X.Lindsay HF: B.Fritsch, B.Mihocek, K.Chandler F: J.Melksham, H.Petty, J.van Rooyen FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Steele, K.Pickett I/C: C.Windsor, H.Langford, T.Sparrow, K.Tholstrup, C.Jiath EMG: B.Howes, J.Culley, M.Jefferson Key ins: Jack Steele, Brody Mihocek, Changkuoth Jiath, Max Heath Key outs: Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Judd McVee Jack Billings, Charlie Spargo WE SAY: A world of list change at the Demons during trade and free agency to kickstart a new era under Steven King. The addition of Jack Steele helps fill the midfield void left by premiership pair Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. Plenty of others options to roll through there including Trent Rivers, Caleb Windsor and Harvey Langford all set for more on-ball time. Brody Mihocek brings his own flag-winning pedigree in the forward half and Changkuoth Jiath provides handy dash off half-back. The loss of Judd McVee leaves a void in defence. Steven May returns after he wasn’t able to find a new home during the trade window. But it wouldn’t be a shock if King begins to look past the veteran defender, with the potential for Harrison Petty to return to the backline. Max Heath also joined the club as ruck cover for Max Gawn and we expect Heath to be just that. Two top 10 draft picks to come in as well.

Richo:

Looking good It’s Week Two of Pride Round and the Demons will don their specially designed guernseys at the Field of Dreams this Saturday. Sure, we’ll be looking good — but don’t expect a celebration just yet. With finals looming, it’s business first. With only three matches remaining, the ladder is tighter than a contested stoppage. Melbourne (7-2) sits third, clinging to a Top 4 spot with Brisbane, Carlton, and Adelaide breathing down our necks. Sydney (5-4) is perched in ninth, just outside the eight, but with a real shot at finals. This is a clash with consequences — a true test of the pecking order. The Match-up The Demons return to our happy hunting ground Casey Fields, where we’ve won 78% of our matches. But recent form has been patchy. A shock loss to Fremantle last week has raised eyebrows — and perhaps a few voices in the review room. Mick Stinear will be demanding a response. He’ll also be keen to get one over his old mate Scott Gowans. The pair are one-all in their coaching duels, and this third meeting could be their sliding doors moment — a result that shapes the road to November. Sydney, meanwhile, are flying high after a 39-point demolition of Carlton. The Swans have rediscovered their strut, led by the midfield brilliance of Montana Ham, Laura Gardiner, and Tanya Kennedy. Montana Ham was electric last week, earning 9 coaches votes. And draftee Zippy Fish has started her AFLW career brilliantly, averaging nearly 22 disposals per game — she takes the kick-outs too. Ally Morphett looms large in the ruck and will test Loz Pearce and the Demons’ stoppage structures. Melbourne starts favourites ($1.53) largely because of home ground advantage. The Swans will be coming for us; we need a lift in #demonspirit this week. Selection this week But the big news? Chloe Molloy is out with back soreness. The Swans’ talisman and spiritual leader will be sorely missed. Without her, Sydney’s forward line loses its spearhead — and Melbourne’s defenders breathe a little easier. The Demons’ injury list is finally easing (or is it?). Tayla Harris, tough as teak, is expected to play despite bruised ribs. Shelley Heath (finger), Saraid Taylor (hamstring), and Sarah Lampard (calf) are all listed as tests and hopefully return. Irish star Blaithin Mackin is just a week away, and Georgia Gall’s ankle injury isn’t as bad as first feared. Meggs counts 26 fit players — a selection headache, but the good kind. Meggs’ musings Expect the leadership group — Kate Hore, Tyla Hanks, Maeve Chaplin, Eliza McNamara, Paxy Paxman, and the returning Sarah Lampard — to set the tone. Kate, in particular, has extra motivation. She’s locked in a goal-for-goal race with North Melbourne’s superstar Jas Garner, both sitting on 96 career goals. The race to the ton is on. Could this be the week our skipper hits the ton first? You wouldn’t bet against her at Casey. This match could go down to the wire. The Swans are scrapping for a finals berth. The Dees are desperate to lock in a double chance. It’s a hen fight at the Field of Dreams — and the winner takes a significant step up the ladder. Because in Season 10, it’s all about the Pecking Order. C’mon Dees! Tip: Melbourne by 13. Dees to bounce back, dazzle in rainbow, and clip the Swans’ wings. THE GAME Round 10: Melbourne v Sydney, Saturday 18 October 2025 at 1:05pm (AEST) at Casey Fields, Melbourne – Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 0 wins | Sydney 0 wins At Casey Fields: Melbourne 0 wins | Sydney 0 wins Coaches: Stinear 1 win | Gowans 1 win MEDIA COVERAGE Foxtel, Kayo, Binge, AFL Live Official Listen App THIS WEEK’S TEAMS (to be loaded when available) MELBOURNE B [28] Saraid Taylor, [171 Tahlia Gillard HB [18] Sarah Lampard, [13] Maeve Chaplin, [23] Sinead Goldrick C [22] Elizabeth McNamara, [5]Tyla Hanks [4] Paxy Paxman, HF [12] Ryleigh Wotherspoon, [6] Alyssa Bannan, [24] Megan Fitzsimon FF [7] Tayla Harris, [29] Eden Zanker FOLL [15] Lauren Pearce, [30] Shelley Heath, [10] Kate Hore I/C [1] Georgia Campbell [19] Laela Ebert, [33] Lily Johnson, [11] Molly O'Hehir [43] Jemma Rigoni EMG [32] Gabrielle Colvin [3] Alyssia Pisano, [18] Denby Taylor IN Shelley Heath, Sarah Lampard, Saraid Taylor OUT Gabrielle Colvin (omitted), Georgia Gall (ankle), Denby Taylor (omitted) SYDNEY SWANS B [26] Lara Hausegger, [20] Brenna Tarrant HB [17] Ash Van Loon, [8] Alice Mitchell, [9] Lucy McEvoy C [23] Zippy Fish, [10] Cynthia Hamilton, [12] Lulu Pullar HF [29] Tanya Kennedy, [30] Alexia Hamilton, [16] Sarah Grunden FF [2] Holly Cooper, [7] Ally Morphett FOLL [27] Giselle Davies, [31] Laura Gardiner, [18] Montana Ham I/C [11] Jas Grierson, [41] [15] Paris McCarthy Darcy Moloney, [13] Caitlin Reid, [6] Ruby Sargent-Wilson EMG [3] Kiara Hillier, [21] Amelia Martin, [19] Rebecca Privitelli IN Giselle Davies OUT Chloe Molloy (back) Injury List: Round 11 Melbourne Tayla Harris — ribs / Test Shelley Heath — finger / Test Sarah Lampard — calf / Test Saraid Taylor — hamstring / Test Georgia Gall — ankle / TBC Blaithin Mackin — calf / 1 week Grace Beasley — knee / 3 - 4 weeks Olivia Purcell — knee / Season Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive Aimee Mackin — knee / Inactive Sydney Swans Imogen Brown — back / 1 Week Chloe Molloy — back / 1 week Sofia Hurley — quad / TBC Maddy Collier — ankle / Season Julie O’Sullivan — ACL / Season

Richo and Jonesy right now …

MELBOURNE Who left: Charlie Spargo (free agent, North Melbourne), Judd McVee (trade, Fremantle), Clayton Oliver (trade, GWS Giants), Christian Petracca (trade, Gold Coast) Who arrived: Max Heath (trade, St Kilda), Brody Mihocek (trade, Collingwood), Changkuoth Jiath (trade, Hawthorn) Draft picks owned: 7, 8, 37, 66, 71, 84, 102 Leigh Montagna says: “It’s strong. I like what Melbourne have done. Steven King has come in and he’s stamped his mark on this football club and said: ‘Right, this is what we’re going to do. I no longer want Clayton Oliver at the club, I want to move on from Christian Petracca, I want a fresh slate, we’ve still got strong leaders with Gawn and Viney and Jake Lever leading the way.’ They get to bring in some depth players, Mihocek is going to help significantly with van Rooyen down there with Melksham and Fritsch. And they’re going to get more draft picks again with top-end talent for the third consecutive year that can continue to build around the five to seven kids they already have.” David King says: “Really smart from Steven King. He’s bringing in players that are going to give him that bridging period until these youngsters absolutely take hold of this football club — guys like Windsor and Tholstrup and Lindsay and Langford, plus those high picks. It’s going to be a dip over the next couple of years, but it’s a calculated dip. It’s a guy coming in with real presence, ‘this is my football club now, this is where we’re going, put culture first’. Yeah it’s cost them some money, no doubt it has … and I’m not sure about the Steele acquisition, but you’ve got the opposite of Clayton Oliver. That’s basically what they’ve found. Really strong from Melbourne.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: B- ADELAIDE CROWS Who left: Nil. Who arrived: Finnbar Maley (trade, North Melbourne) Draft picks owned: 16, 48, 55, 64, 73, 75, 93, 111 David King says: “They needed Clayton Oliver more than any other club, for me, if they are to be a genuine contender. In the second half of the season, they were 16th for clearance differential in the AFL. When Rankine wasn’t there, they looked pedestrian. They needed another option for that midfield and they didn’t take the risk when others around them have — that’s the bottom line. GWS’ gain is Adelaide’s loss … I can’t really believe they haven’t bolstered that midfield.” Leigh Montagna says: “I would’ve thought Jack Steele would’ve been a good fit, that big defensive mid who could tackle and allow Dawson and Rankine to do their thing. They were pretty strict in what they wanted to do and they haven’t been able to land much at all.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: D BRISBANE LIONS Who left: Brandon Starcevich (trade, West Coast Eagles) Who arrived: Sam Draper (free agent, Essendon), Oscar Allen (free agency, West Coast) Draft picks owned: 17, 23, 44, 51, 59, 68, 79, 97, 115 Jon Ralph says: “They don’t always get them right, the free agency acquisitions — they brought in Tom Doedee, who’s played one game in a couple of years — so that’s the only caveat there with Oscar Allen and Draper coming in. Essendon never offered a great deal fro Draper because they believe the history of ruckman off an Achilles tear is they never really get their jump back … That’s the only little asterisk.” Leigh Montagna says: “They’re in Seat 1A going into 2026. They want for nothing. They’ve brought in Draper and Oscar Allen and they’ll bring in a top-five draft pick, potentially, with the academy pick (Daniel Annable) — and they’re in the box seat. It’s only going to be motivation or injuries that will really slow them down next year. They didn’t really need to do much … They do lose Starcevich, who will be a big out with his ability to shut down the best small-medium forwards in the competition, will be missed. But they’ve got enough depth there to be able to cover that.” David King says: “They are the envy of the competition. You look at the guys who’ve played 50 to 80 games — that’s where the real growth comes from — now they’re establishing themselves, there’s confidence in their body and what they can do gameday … they’ve got an unbelievable window in front of them. It’s exciting if you’re a Brisbane fan.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: B+ CARLTON Who left: Corey Durdin (trade, Port Adelaide), Charlie Curnow (trade, Sydney) Who arrived: Liam Reidy (trade, Fremantle), Campbell Chesser (trade, West Coast), Ben Ainsworth (trade, Gold Coast), Ollie Florent (trade, Sydney), Will Hayward (trade, Sydney) Draft picks owned: 9, 11, 43, 54, 67, 72, 87, 105 Jon Ralph says: “It does give Carlton an amazing arsenal, not only to secure Harry Dean and Jack Ison, but also Cody Walker next year. We know it’s a year where there will be bidding changes, so you might almost need two first-rounders to secure him as a top-two pick. If you’re Carlton, you have the now in terms of the players they’ve brought in, but they also have the future in the shining light upon the hill that is Cody Walker and Harry Dean, who should play 20 games next year. It’s not Curnow, but it is a pretty damn fine deal.” David King says: “It’s a big reset now. Carlton fans, you’re starting again, really. Not absolute ground zero, but that to me just signals that they’ve got five top-30 picks in the last five years, there’s trauma coming, they’re trying to get ahead of it now with trading Charlie Curnow and I think this has got Graham Wright’s fingerprints all over it … I think it puts a real challenge now to Michael Voss to make this work. You’re losing a gun to get some bits and pieces … they’re not going to solve the problems of tomorrow.” Leigh Montagna says: “Their team will look completely different next season … They’ve got some skill and more talent. For me, they’re probably still depth players. I don’t know if it’s really going to change the fortunes of the Blues too much, but it certainly adds depth and running and kicking.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: B+ COLLINGWOOD Who left: Brody Mihocek (trade, Melbourne) Who arrived: Jack Buller (trade, Sydney) Draft picks owned: 39, 45, 56, 61, 77, 95, 113 David King says: “They were very quiet. It’s hard to be critical of Collingwood, they’ve been so good for the last few years. They’ve got the gun in the middle Nick Daicos, (but) they probably need to find him more support at some point. I know they’ve been trying to get (Beau) McCreery come through and maybe be that player. At some point, it will tip over when you look at the age of their list. But is that 2026? I’m not convinced, I’m not sure of that … I just feel like they’re the one club that’s probably the most desperate for a Zak Butters at the end of next year. I think that’s where they’ll channel their energy.” Jon Ralph says: “Which is why they didn’t give up (first-round) picks for Jy Simpkin in the end … I think the only thing you would say about them, is that it’s confusing to think they were trying to have a crack at moving on Jordan De Goey, and have a crack at Jy Simpkin — there’s only a two-year age gap. The Collingwood view is, if de Goey was going to get a big, fat contract he never really secured, this was the time where both club and player were really open and mature about it. But, for them to shop him in any way, I think gives you some question marks over where they sure his body and his longevity and durability.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: C- ESSENDON Who left: Sam Draper (free agent, Brisbane) Who arrived: Brayden Fiorini (trade, Gold Coast) Draft picks owned: Picks 5, 6, 21, 27, 30, 83, 101 Leigh Montagna says: “There’s still an intrigue because we need to see them fit and healthy and what it can actually look like if Brad Scott has the full list to choose from. They just haven’t had that in recent years. There’s too many players on that list that get injured too often to give them a chance. They’re going to get two really good players early in the draft then they’ve got some academy prospects potentially after that that might work in their favour … But it’s going to be tough for them.” Jon Ralph says: “This could’ve been footy’s greatest trainwreck. They could’ve lost four or five of their senior players, including their captain (Zach Merrett), including (Jordan) Ridley, including (Darcy) Parish, including (Kyle) Langford. They have lost their president, they could’ve had a coup over the next couple of months. Instead right now — yes there’ll be some challenges, but they’ve got 12 months to reset. They’ve got an elite fitness and strength and conditioning program in. I think so much of the next six months is: “What have you got for us Brad Scott? What have you got for us to make other players into the Archie Roberts’ of the 2026 season? Where is (Archie) Perkins at? Where’s Tsatas at? Where’s Ben McKay at? … There are so many players there who come into this team and look like they have some talent and they either stagnate or regress.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: D+ FREMANTLE Who left: Liam Reidy (trade, Carlton), Will Brodie (trade, Port Adelaide) Who arrived: Judd McVee (trade, Melbourne) Draft picks owned: 20, 47, 69, 90, 103, 108 David King says: “I think McVee’s a good acquisition. I think he’s a constant threat, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of this player. He can play a variety of roles. I’m not sure he’s an elite ball user, but maybe doesn’t have to be at Fremantle with the way they operate and the way they move the ball. But I like the fact they’re pretty settled.” Leigh Montagna says: “They’ve had a couple of big trade periods in recent years with Luke Jackson and Shai Bolton, so to be able to target a specific need — and that’s another half-back to support Jordan Clark — I think they’ve done pretty well … they can be contending (for the premiership), absolutely.” Jon Ralph says: “A full year from Hayden Young and a better year from Jye Amiss is probably all they’ll get as well as of course McVee coming through.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: B- GEELONG CATS Who left: Patrick Retschko (trade, Richmond) Who arrived: James Worpel (free agent, Hawthorn) Draft picks owned: 19, 40, 60, 78, 96, 99, 114 David King says: “We look at Geelong and think: ‘When will they tip over? How can they keep doing this?’ … Worpel is a sneaky good improvement for their list. It does allow, with his midfield time, (Patrick) Dangerfield to play more forward. They’ll just keep doing what they do. What a fantastic organisation they’ll be.” Leigh Montagna says: “They’ll make it work in the ruck. Stanley and Blicavs, yes they’re getting on in age, but between the two of them they can probably share the load. Toby Conway got back late in the season, there’s still a lot of high hopes on him. I know he’s had injury troubles, but if he can have a full pre-season, between those three guys they could alternate, rotate — however Chris Scott does it. I don’t think not having Rowan Marshall keeps them from being in contention to win a premiership next year.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: C- GOLD COAST SUNS Who left: Malcolm Rosas Jnr (trade, Sydney), Sam Flanders (trade, St Kilda), Ben Ainsworth (trade, Carlton), Connor Budarick (trade, Western Bulldogs), Brayden Fiorini (trade, Essendon) Who arrived: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (trade, Western Bulldogs), Christian Petracca (trade, Melbourne) Draft picks owned: 15, 18, 24, 28, 29, 36, 52, 92, 110 Leigh Montagna says: “The beauty of them being able to trade out Picks 7 and 8 is they didn’t need those picks; they’ve got all the points to still land three, potentially four Academy picks in the top 20-25. And two of them will be in the top five; they are getting two of the best young kids in the country on top of Petracca and Ugle-Hagan. Obviously, Ugle-Hagan is the big one. The chasm between what his potential could be and what the ramifications could be if it doesn’t work out is significant — but you take a look at the upside and it’s a pretty scary proposition.” David King says: “I think what Jamarra brings, they (the Suns) don’t have. I don’t think they’ve got a roaming centre-half-forward that hits the wings, who glides across the top of the grass and scoots, has a beautiful left leg on him. He’s a five-mark-a-game player, Jamarra, at his best. I know we’re talking about his best, we’re selling high — they (didn’t) have that (before trading for Ugle-Hagan). (Ben) King doesn’t do that, (Jed) Walter doesn’t do that, (Ethan) Read doesn’t do that. So, what this guy does is different. So, I love it, it’s worth the gamble — absolutely it is — you back your culture in … there’s no middle ground (in terms of off-field missteps), these are the rules. I don’t think there is any grace. Damien Hardwick is not (going to) play favourites here — these are the rules, you follow them and we both win. If you don’t, you’re out, we move on.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: A GWS GIANTS Who left: Jacob Wehr (free agent, Port Adelaide) Who arrived: Clayton Oliver (trade, Melbourne) Draft picks owned: 12, 35, 91, 109 Leigh Montagna says: “My view is I don’t think he’s going to be the All-Australian midfielder anymore; he doesn’t have to be. He’s still a very solid inside contest and clearance winner. His numbers still stack up pretty well in the competition, so he’ll complement the other guys, how he works with Tom Green will be interesting, and I still think they’re going to be around the mark again, the Giants.” David King says: “First half of the year they were the third-worst clearance differential team in the competition — it sounds ridiculous when you look at some of the names in there — but I think what it (the arrival of Oliver) does do is it allows it not to be Callaghan and Green at all times. You can get some respite. We’ve seen the luxury of that with (Patrick) Dangerfield being able to play more forward (at Geelong) with Bailey Smith and moving the magnets. So, I think you’ll get a healthier version of those guys come later in the year.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: B+ HAWTHORN Who left: James Worpel (free agent, Geelong), Changkuoth Jiath (trade, Melbourne), Jai Serong (trade, Sydney) Who arrived: Nil Draft picks owned: 10, 22, 62, 76, 94, 112 David King says: “He’s entitled to be furious, Zach Merrett. No doubt Hawthorn would have said: ‘We’ll get this deal done. We’ve got enough picks, we’ve got enough talent on our list that we’ll be able to satisfy the Bombers’ — and they haven’t done that. I think it puts a real dent in their premiership aspirations for next year … Merrett into that line-up (would’ve) changed the whole mix and dynamic of what they do ball in hand. I think it’s a real blow for the Hawks tonight – I really do. When you look at every team in that top bracket of six to eight, they’re looking for that one player, that one extra asset that tips them over the edge into premiership contention — and I think the Hawks have left one on the table tonight.” Leigh Montagna says: “Everyone else around them — when you talk about the contenders — improved their list going into next season, except for Hawthorn. In fact they’ve lost a bit of depth. It’s what happens when you try and go for the big fish. They went for Harley Reid, they had a crack at Oscar Allen, they’ve gone for Zach Merrett … but if it doesn’t come off, it’s left them (without one). Now maybe they’re going to put all their eggs in the Zak Butters basket for next year.” Jon Ralph says: “I think Zach Merrett will continue to be the same Zach Merrett he’s been. He’ll be their best player and he still should lead by example. No doubt he’s going to feel somewhat sheepish walking back into the club for the first week … but football clubs are pretty forgiving places. They’ll shake hands, get to work and worry about the business that needs to be done on winning games of football.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: D NORTH MELBOURNE Who left: Finnbar Maley (trade, Adelaide) Who arrived: Charlie Spargo (free agent, Melbourne) Draft picks owned: 25, 26, 46, 57, 82, 100 Leigh Montagna says: “Very quiet. It’s for me about their culture and ability to learn to win and learn to play better football as a group for longer. We know they have talent, that’s indisputable, they just have to put it together. They have to be able to start to build a fabric of a club that are going win games consistently.“ Jon Ralph says: “Jy Simpkin had 33 touches and 730 metres gained in that last game against Adelaide as a wingman. That’s the reason they kept him. Yes, because he’s the captain – not next year – but he has been the captain. And they feel like he can play that role. Zane Duursma wanted to get to Essendon but it was never going to happen as a top four pick. My understanding is he’s hired a personal trainer. He understands instead of getting out there with Harley Reid and having some nice nights out over summer, get yourself absolutely rock hard fit. If you’re that mid-forward, you need to be more athletic than the player who’s playing on you, you need to be a supreme athlete. Hopefully the penny has dropped for him across the summer … they missed on Marcus Windhager and Connor Budarick – they’re not superstar players, of course the A-graders don’t want to come to them. At some stage they need to top off this list.” David King says: “I know it’s difficult to attract talent to clubs struggling. One of the pledges Alastair Clarkson made when he was appointed as senior coach was they would be in the hunt for free agents and try and find some stars. If you look at the last few years, the names that have come in have been underwhelming and haven’t had a massive impact. At some point that needs to change if you are to make a move up the ladder. It’s not going to necessarily just going to be because of those guys. They’ve had 14 top 30 picks over the last five years, so there’s enough talent there. But they need the support crew.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: D+ PORT ADELAIDE Who left: Nil Who arrived: Jacob Wehr (free agent, GWS Giants), Corey Durdin (trade, Carlton), Will Brodie (trade, Fremantle) Draft picks owned: 49, 85 David King says: “I just think this is about to fall off a cliff, this list. Three top-30 picks in the last five years have come in. They’ve done a lot of trading and got a whole handful of nothing if you ask me. We all talk about Rozee, Butters and Horne-Francis — outside of that, Georgiades obviously, what else is there? I think they’re in for a lot of pain to come and they’re about to plummet, if you ask me.” Leigh Montagna says: “They don’t want a rebuild, they’ve said that, but what are they doing with their list? That’s going to be the big question this season.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: C- RICHMOND Who left: Tylar Young (trade, West Coast Eagles) Who arrived: Patrick Retschko (trade, Geelong) Draft picks owned: 3, 4, 38, 81 David King says: “They’ve been unreal over the last four years, they’ve got 12 top 30 picks that have come into the place. It’s like watching the Paris fashion week when they unveil their top-line draftees! We’ve seen quite a few of those guys. I just think that they’ve make a conscious decision as a football club, and they’re sticking to it. I like this, I think this is a strong football club that knows what winning premierships is all about … I’m a fan.” Jon Ralph says: “Retschko is a rookie who was delisted by Geelong on October 2. He then was, I assume, re-listed. Richmond wanted him, they’ve traded pick 99 for him. A hard-running utility (but) we know stuff-all about him … but we wish Patrick Retschko well in his new career at the Tigers!” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: C ST KILDA Who left: Max Heath (trade, Melbourne), Jack Steele (trade, Melbourne) Who arrived: Tom De Koning (free agent, Carlton), Jack Silvagni (free agent, Carlton), Sam Flanders (trade, Gold Coast), Liam Ryan (trade, West Coast) Draft picks owned: 50, 65, 86, 104 Jon Ralph says: “No one is ever accepting a handshake deal from Graeme Allan ever again after the Leek Aleer deal. It’s cost Leek Aleer $2 million … I totally understand St Kilda can do whatever they want to do and be as ruthless and hard-arse as they want. But the AFL players out there would say: ‘You want us to reduce long-term contracts and trade us against our will and not have destiny for our own situations?’ That’s the thing … I think if they wanted to get him they would’ve and maybe they just fell out of love with him. It was fairly callous, but it’s a ruthless industry.” David King says: “They’re happy to be the villains. They’re a strong footy club, they’re ruthless in a lot of ways, their coach embodies that. I think it’s gone unnoticed, the injury toll, in 2025 and where they sat on the ladder in terms of games lost to injury … They only need a little bit of luck, with the additions they’ve got during this trade period, to really spike up the ladder. What threshold that is is up for conjecture, but I think they’ll make a move next year.” Leigh Montagna says: “They’ve executed their plan perfectly this trade period — and they’ve got exactly what they wanted out of it.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: A SYDNEY SWANS Who left: Ollie Florent (trade, Carlton), Jack Buller (trade, Collingwood), Will Hayward (trade, Carlton) Who arrived: Malcolm Rosas Jnr (trade, Gold Coast), Jai Serong (trade, Hawthorn), Charlie Curnow (trade, Carlton) Draft picks owned: Picks 31, 32, 42, 63, 88, 106 David King says: “I think they’ve got more problems behind the ball than in front of it, but it’s a wildcard talent (Curnow). He’s going to kick more goals than what’s there at the moment … He doesn’t miss much footy. He’s going to be a wildcard that could kick 50-plus goals and put them on the map … It’s going to take the pressure off Heeney. Jon Ralph says: “What about the theatre: Lockett, Hall, Buddy, Tippett and now Curnow … Charlie is not going to kick 460 goals, but even if he kicks 250 across the next five seasons, maybe they hoist the flag that Buddy Franklin was never able to achieve in his second incarnation at Sydney.” Leigh Montagna says: “The flow-on effect, Amartey becomes the second tall which suits him better, McLean becomes the second ruck-tall option. With the four talls, I now wonder whether they try Logan McDonald at centre half-back, because they do need someone else behind the ball to support McCartin and Blakey. Logan McDonald hasn’t quite worked as a forward … if he can become another failed forward that goes behind the ball and do a really good job, that could be the difference for the Sydney Swans to compete for the flag.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: A- WEST COAST EAGLES Who left: Oscar Allen (free agency, Brisbane), Liam Ryan (trade, St Kilda), Campbell Chesser (trade, Carlton) Who arrived: Brandon Starcevich (trade, Brisbane Lions), Tylar Young (trade, Richmond) Draft picks owned: 1, 2, 13, 34, 41, 53, 58, 80, 80, 98 Leigh Montagna says: “They had a mantra they wanted to try and get some more senior bodies in there, just to help bridge the gap. They’re still a long way off, we understand that. So to get Starcevich really helps and Tylar Young — and now they’re going to get the two best kids in the country as well to continue to build on what they’ve got. Harley Reid has committed long-term, so it’s going to be a slow burn but at least the wheels are slowly starting to turn.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: B WESTERN BULLDOGS Who left: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (trade, Gold Coast) Who arrived: Connor Budarick (trade, Gold Coast) Draft picks owned: 14, 33, 70, 74, 89, 107 David King says: “I said about six weeks ago that Sam Power’s biggest challenge was to give this coach a key defender that he could put that magnet on the board, and with some sort of confidence, drive to the game knowing that things will be okay. They haven’t done that, and they’ll be in the same position at the end of 2026. And the same position every year after … I’m staggered by this. I can’t believe that the Dogs have had to manufacture Rory Lobb, who was great (in his) first year down back, but not so much this season just passed. I think it’s a big fail for the Dogs … We’ve seen Buku Khamis down there. They’ve lost confidence in Buku, they’ve lost confidence in (Jedd) Busslinger, Jones is no longer there. We’ve talked about this every week; they refused to move an (Aaron) Naughton down back. Do you have to change the way you want to play? That’s changing the coach’s philosophy, because you can’t get a deal done to acquire some key talent.” Leigh Montagna says: “Maybe, now that they don’t have the personnel change, they’re going to have to change the way they play to be able to stiffen up defensively. Otherwise, they’re not going to continue to compete against the top eight teams … (but) I trust Luke Beveridge. I think he’ll understand what was missing from them last year, and maybe it’s going to be a game-style change instead of the personnel — because they weren’t able to get it done.” Foxfooty.com.au’s trade grade: D