INS: Tholstrup, Jefferson, Sharp
OUTS: van Rooyen, Windsor, Lever (omitted)
A TRIO of young Demons have made the flight north to take on the Suns as Melbourne searches for its sixth win of the season.
Matthew Jefferson, Koltyn Tholstrup and Harry Sharp have all earned a spot in the 23 named to run out at People First Stadium on the Gold Coast, with experienced Demon Jake Lever joining Jacob van Rooyen and Caleb Windsor as omissions.
Lever has encountered a difficult 2025 season, dating back to an interrupted start to his campaign and more time on the sidelines in the season proper.
“Jake will play in the VFL this week, in his bid to regain form that has been inconsistent following return from his recent ankle surgery,” GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said.
“Unfortunately, Jake had a compromised pre-season, due to end-of-season surgeries in 2024, and while he’s worked tirelessly to be ready to perform at AFL level, the inability to train consistently has compromised his capacity to play to the level we know he is capable of.
“Jake is working closely with our high performance and coaching group, to ensure he can return to his best football as soon as possible. As we know, he is an incredibly diligent and professional athlete, and an important leader of our football club.”
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Jefferson will play his fourth AFL match against the Suns on the back of some strong VFL form.
The third year forward and former first round draft selection has booted 12 goals from his last three VFL outings, including two bags of five.
Fellow former first-rounder Koltyn Tholstrup will play his sixth game of the season and 16th game overall, with the second-year forward and midfielder taking eight marks in his last VFL outing.
The hard-running Harry Sharp has missed just the two games this season after his off-season move from the Lions and will return to the side after his omission following Round 13.
The ball will bounce at 1:20pm on Saturday afternoon at People’s First Stadium.
Sunshine state Demon fans can catch the players gearing up for clash from 11am on Friday, June 27 at People First Stadium.
Entry is from Gate 6 from 10:45am, with free parking in the red carpark.
