The below match report has been produced by Melbourne Media, and does not represent the views of the club or coaching staff.
SECOND-YEAR Demon Jai Culley has sent another clear message that he’s ready to hit the ground running in 2026 with a dominant match simulation performance.
A solo effort from the centre bounce wowed onlookers as Culley leapt skyward to shark the hit-out before turning on the burners and running to the edge of the square to unload a 60-metre bomb between the big sticks.
It was one of two Culley goals coming from two terms of match simulation on Friday morning, as the 22-year-old ran rampant in an inside midfielder role.
The 194cm midfielder was bruising at the contest, laying a number of crunching tackles, while also rotating forward to take a number of strong marks.
Trade acquisition Jack Steele was also impressive winning the ball at the source, as players switched between blue and white teams throughout the afternoon.
Explosive Demon Caleb Windsor and the reliable Trent Rivers also caught the eye in new roles through the middle of the ground.
Christian Salem and former-Hawk Changkuoth Jiath formed a formidable pairing of half back, pairing class and dash for the blue team.
Key defenders Tom McDonald, Steven May, Harry Petty and Daniel Turner duelled at opposite ends of the ground, giving the Demons coaches plenty to think about come Round 1.
Fourth-year forward Matthew Jefferson was lively up forward, linking up with the blue side’s forward thrusts while kicking accurately from set shots despite the howling Casey Fields winds.
Leaders Max Gawn (finger) and Jack Viney (Achilles) sat out the match play, as did Harry Sharp (hamstring), Jake Bowey (foot), Tom Matthews (meniscus), Brody Mihocek (toe), Shane McAdam (Achilles), Andy Moniz-Wakefield (ACL), Bailey Laurie (hand), Jack Henderson (sacrum) and Tom Campbell (neck).
Goals
Blue Team | Culley, van Rooyen, Langdon 2, Jefferson, Langford
White Team | Johnson, Onley, Cross (VFL), Lual (VFL)
