The below match report has been produced by Melbourne Media, and does not represent the views of the club or coaching staff.
SPEED machine Caleb Windsor has pushed his case for a place in the Demons midfield with an eye-catching match simulation showing at Casey Fields.
The former No. 7 selection in the 2023 National Draft showcased a clean pair of heels as he repeatedly burst free from stoppage for three early goal assists.
A running bomb from 50 rounded out his afternoon as the 20-year-old looks to cement a place in the guts after finishing 2025 in the middle.
Skipper Max Gawn returned to match play after a stint on the sidelines with a finger fracture, proving his fitness for next Saturday’s AFL State of Origin.
New Demon Max Heath took it right up to the eight-time All Australian, using his large frame to great effect in and around the stoppages.
Brody Mihocek made his first match simulation appearance after overcoming a toe injury dating back to last year’s finals series with the Magpies.
The veteran forward paired well with Jacob van Rooyen ahead of the ball, providing a target down the line and kicking two goals across three terms of action.
The 22-year-old van Rooyen was everywhere as he continued his strong pre-season campaign, looking mobile and athletic as he presented again and again.
The midfield battle was a juicy one as Windsor, Langford, Steele, Culley, Rivers, Sparrow and Tholstrup locked horns, rotating between blue and white sides each term.
Trent Rivers showcased his ability to be a damaging playmaker through the middle, pouncing on back half turnovers to kick three majors.
Langford and Steele were busy as they racked up the football on the inside.
Daniel Turner looked the goods down back, taking a number of intercept grabs alongside Blake Howes who also turned in an impressive performance.
Bayley Fritsch (four goals) was the top goalscorer for the afternoon, with his clinical finishing around goals always threatening.
Harry Sharp was another Demon to return to the fray after suffering a hamstring injury late last year, using his pace to get free and put the finishing touches on some highlight plays.
First-year draftee Tom Matthews also got his first taste of the action after arriving at the club with a meniscus injury last year.
The zippy small forward showed run and carry and managed to finish the three terms with a goal on the board.
Ed Langdon ran hard on the wings, using his trademark engine to push from goalsquare to goalsquare and find himself out the back of the play for two goals.
Ricky Mentha, Kysaiah and Latrelle Pickett were all absent from training as they visit Alice Springs on a club community trip.
Total Goals
Fritsch 4, Rivers 3, van Rooyen, Chandler, Langford, Mihocek, Langdon 2, Mathews, Gawn, Windsor
YoPRO is feeding the Dees' pre-season progress.
