manny100

Evidently the AFL asked clubs to comment on a muted change to allow Samoan background kids to be draftable as Academy players. The reason is that those Islands are Rugby strongholds and we want to encourage kids to our sport. To late for Ah Mu but he has a younger taller brother who can play and is rated.

I assume the 'two's will play from 10am and the 1sts play shortly after they finish??

Hard to place us this year. Are young players need more games. Our backline and our forwards should improve if players remain fit. Our mids are the worry this year but may surprise? We may have some surprise improvement from a player or 2. Eg Culley, AMW ETC

Thanks, great reports

With a new coach plenty of 1st rounders the last few years, a couple of trade ins, a surprise in Cully hopefully on the way and its pretty exciting. .... and of course some younger players maturing.

I guess the bright side is barring a minor miracle with his injury woes we will free up a list spot and cap space come season end. Looking at the Demonland contract thread we have a few players coming out of contract at season end and we may want to extend some players due out in 2027 early. I check out the contract thread often - invaluable.

When AJ was fit and/or not suspended he played a couple of pretty good games. Was quick to get the ball out which led to goals on occasions. Preparation in AFL means a lot and this year is his first real shot at a full preseason. Also we do not know yet how the new game plan will suit our KPF's. The forward line will likely be more open. Running and endurance will be a big factor. I think all the KPF's will think they are in with a chance at this stage.

It is possible with his attributes we may develop him into a tall, athletic, strong and quick break the lines half back. He could play on smalls and talls down back.

Trying to understand all that reminded me of the famous Abbott and Costello baseball schetch. " The famous Abbott and Costello routine is called “Who’s on First?”. It’s a classic comedy sketch where Abbott tries to explain the names of baseball players to Costello, but the players’ names sound like questions and answers—leading to hilarious confusion."

Langford looks huge.

If JT is not planning retirement i think he will stick around until at least the 2026 drafts. If he is still enjoying the job he may well stay longer, why not. His 2025 draft vibes indicated he still loves the job. The strategy has been brilliant. Keep some experienced guns to build around which we are doing. 2026 is the end of our current list build up. 2027 and 2028 are lost draft years for most of the comp. Not sure apart from Prasaad whether we have any other academy or FS in 2026 or 27?

They may have to get the players to wear male Catheters and a bag at training. 'yer right' They need to get to Waverley ASAP. It is pretty bad - 1950's stuff.

We hope to see improvement but and can see us winning a couple more games than last year. We had 6 close ish losses last year. We could not get up with Tracc and Oliver in the side. Next season is a building year and i am not to worried about a say 15 - 12 finish as long as a several of our young draftees of recent years show A Grade potential. Next year with 2 1st rounders will be a further build before we go into 2 lost Tassie draft years. We can then go into 2027 plus seasons with a side capable of finals. We have a heap of players out of contract in 2026 so apart from delistings we may see a couple leave. The 2026 season will see us find out a lot about where we sit.

Agree, there are heaps of members/supporters who follow Demonland that can't get enough of training updates. Its forget work and check the phone almost non stop on training days. Lets face it the Dee's take up a 'fair chunk' of our lives.

White may be developed as that tall mobile back. I do not think we should be to worried about Taylors height. Guns (if he is to be one) find ways to beat taller players. Also we may do a 'hawks' and get a tall back via FA. The 2026 draft has a few talls. We have 2 first rounders in 2026 and they will be worth 'gold' as with Tassie coming in 2027 and 2028 are 2 lost draft years.