The 2025 VFL season was one of growth and promise for the Casey Demons, who finished the year with 11 wins, one draw and in 5th spot on the ladder.

After a challenging start, the Demons surged home strongly, producing the third-highest percentage in the competition and winning through to a semi-final.

Head Coach Taylor Whitford reflected on the season as a whole, describing it as an important step for the club’s program.

“The season was a positive step forward for our club. Not quite the finish that we might have hoped for, but solid foundations were laid to what makes a successful VFL program that we will continue to use in the future.”

Casey’s second-half turnaround was one of the stories of the season, as the team’s form clicked and belief grew within the group.

“Whilst the start of the season wasn't as prolific in the win-loss column, internally the messaging was always that we weren't far away from our better footy and getting rewarded with wins."

"What you saw in the second half of the season was produced off the back of some great player-led leadership, which grew confidence in the group and a total buy in to each other and our ‘Scorp behaviours’. It was a really connected and cohesive group that would do anything for the team on and off the field.”

Individual growth was another key highlight. Several players took big strides in 2025, with Whitford pointing to a mix of Casey and Melbourne-listed names.

“Bailey Laurie developed his game this year to a point where he is now a dominant VFL player.” Laurie’s consistency and ability to impact games week in, week out, made him a key figure in the Demons’ strong finish to the year.

“Jed Adams showed great growth in his game this year and was rewarded with an AFL debut against the Bulldogs.” His progression from Casey regular to AFL debutant was one of the standout stories of 2025.

The coach was also full of praise for his emerging key forward. “From Luker Kentfield’s preseason, where he unfortunately succumbed to illness, to finish off where he did as our key forward should really excite everyone for what is to come.”

Another shining light in attack was young gun Paddy Cross. “It was a season where Paddy Cross was able to play 17 games. He showed why he is one of the most exciting prospects not only in our club, but the VFL. A huge reason we finished where we did, kicking 24 goals with a high of four in our Elimination Final win.”

The forward line excitement didn’t stop there. “Noah Yze played between us here at Casey, Oakleigh Chargers and the Old Melburnians Football Club and got better and better as the season went on. Playing as that second or third tall forward, the seven-goal haul in the Elimination Final shows, at 19 years of age, what he could produce in the years to come for the club.”

Three players were also recognised across the competition, with Riley Bonner, Mitch Hardie and Tom Campbell all named in the 2025 VFL Team of the Year squad.

For Whitford, the biggest positives went beyond results and accolades, with the team’s unity and playing style a sign of things to come.

“The connection of the group in totality was undeniable, led by a host of experienced AFL players in Jack Billings and Tom Campbell but some up-and-coming leaders of the club in Bailey Laurie, Taj Woewodin, Riley Bonner, Paddy Cross and our captain Deakyn Smith."

"Some of our game style and play was truly exciting and a big step forward, being able to take the game on and move the ball with speed, whilst being stingy in defence.”

Looking ahead, there is plenty for Demons fans to be optimistic about.

“The future of the team is bright. Both from an AFL standpoint with the development of our younger core of players and our VFL group being the first season with the likes of Bonner, Cross, Yze, Smith and Baldi playing together again next year, we can only hope to improve on what we saw this year.”

After a strong 2025 campaign built on connection, belief and an exciting brand of football, the Demons have laid the foundations for future success. The squad showed they could match it with the best in the competition and developed a style of play that supporters can be proud of.

With a mix of emerging young talent and experienced leaders set to return in 2026, Casey has every reason to look forward with confidence. The challenge now is to build on this year’s momentum and take another step towards sustained success in the seasons to come.