The Casey Demons closed out their home-and-away season in style, claiming a 23-point victory over the Box Hill Hawks. Senior Coach Taylor Whitford shared his thoughts on the performances from the Melbourne Demons–listed players.

Charlie Spargo (23 disposals, 7 tackles, 1 goal) 

"Spargs has been a valuable member of our VFL team the past few weeks. On the weekend it took him a little to get into the game early, but once he did his influence on the game was profound. His influence in us creating good turnovers and then challenging the opposition’s defence on the way back to goal is immense, his handballing a real feature on the weekend."

Koltyn Tholstrup (25 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 clearances) 

"Liking Koltyn’s gradual progression as an inside mid over the last 3 matches. His stoppage and contest craft and centre bounce learning a highlight. His midfield patterns are continuing to improve and ball use was calm and composed."

Jack Billings (40 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal) 

"JB executed his midfield role to a high level. His contest work and pressure game was back on show, ending up with 6 tackles and a few smothers. He found plenty of ball in transition and brought others into the game with his smart ball use."

Bailey Laurie (25 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal)

"Bill was outstanding both inside and outside the contest on the weekend. He pressured the ball carrier well when needed, and made good contest decisions to get forward or back to help defence. He’s playing some of the most consistent VFL football I’ve seen him play in my time."

Matt Jefferson (9 disposals and 1 goal)

"Jeffo started the game well up forward this week, unfortunately for both him and us he sustained an injury ruling him out of the second half."

Jed Adams (13 disposals, 7 marks, 4 intercept possessions)

"Jed returned to the VFL team this week after his debut game the week previous. Playing on Jasper Scaife, he started the game a little bit slow defensively, but he looked much better in the second half, able to be more physical and intercept the ball as we know he can."

Will Verrall (11 disposals, 10 hit-outs, 3 clearances) 

"Playing second ruck and some forward time, Will has prided his games as of late on good ruck craft and connection with the mids, along with elite follow-up. He was a little down impact-wise around the contest this week against a quality ruck in Ned Reeves."

Tom Campbell (18 disposals, 21 hit-outs, 10 clearances) 

"TC was prolific around stoppage and contest areas on the weekend. His ability to give our mids first use at stoppage, and if not, follow up at ground level is super impactful on clearance wins."

Tom Fullarton (19 disposals, 10 marks, 6 intercept possessions) 

"Tom has settled in very well behind the ball the last month as a key defender. He provided a strong aerial presence against quality opponents, and if he’s not intercepting, he showed great craft to be able to bring the ball to ground."

Ricky Mentha (11 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goal) 

"Ricky started the game as good as anyone, probably the best player on the ground in the first 15 minutes. He’s showing these game-breaking moments; we are now looking to grow the brilliant patches into more consistent four-quarter performances."

Taj Woewodin (23 disposals, 5 tackles, 11 contested possessions) 

"Taj’s game is in a great spot at the moment, he’s developed into a super consistent and reliable teammate. Playing as an inside mid, he showed great contest craft and pressure on the inside whilst also able to get to the outside and help us in offence and defence."

Kynan Brown (22 disposals, 2 tackles, 4 intercept possessions) 

"Browny has major aspects of his role compliance, on a wing, in really great order. His ability to support the backs on fast transition is really strong, and around stoppage and contest he’s quite clean and really driving his legs well."

Aidan Johnson (7 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal) 

"Not one of AJ’s best performances for the year, but I love how his competitiveness and willingness to learn and adjust in-game means he never wastes an opportunity. Got challenged against a good opponent in aerial contests where he wasn’t able to win or halve enough contests, but grew in this area in the second half to give himself these chances."

Luker Kentfield (7 disposals, 3 goals, 3 marks) 

"Big difference in his second half to the first. Looked a bit reactive early; we didn’t see him flying for those balls. Second half adjusted and looked a lot better. His finish on goal, especially his set shots, are in a great spot."

With a home final locked in next week, the Demons will look to carry this momentum and build on their strong individual and team performances.