The below match report has been produced by Melbourne Media, and does not represent the views of the club or coaching staff.
MIDFIELD speedster Caleb Windsor has again sparkled in a classy match simulation performance, continuing his red-hot training form at Casey Fields in Melbourne’s final intraclub hit-out.
Windsor looked untouchable as he showcased his searing pace, albeit against an understrength midfield opposition with Gawn, Viney, Pickett all in Perth for State of Origin duties and Jai Culley and vice-captain Jack Viney sidelined.
The 20-year-old former No. 7 selection has spent his first two seasons playing across half-back and the wing but could compete for a spot in the centre bounces in 2026.
The electric mover combined repeatedly with Matthew Jefferson and Jacob van Rooyen in the first of three match-play periods, with both of the two young forwards kicking two first-term majors.
Jefferson took a handful of brave, contested grabs including a soaring pluck over a pack of four opponents to round out the first period of action.
The fourth-year forward gingerly regained his feet following the crunching contest but went back to convert and returned to the field to commence the second stanza.
Jefferson has showed plenty of promise throughout the club’s pre-season after breaking through for his AFL debut and seven games in 2025.
Fellow first rounders Xavier Taylor (No. 11 2025), Xavier Lindsay (No.11 2024) and Koltyn Tholstrup (No. 13 2023) were all busy across half back as the club experiments with adding some class and youth to its defensive mix.
It’s a new role for Tholstrup who has played the majority of his two seasons across half forward and the midfield.
The hard-edged competitor looked comfortable in the defence with his desperate efforts lending themselves well to the back six.
Latrelle Pickett did his Round 1 chances no harm, pushing high up the ground from starting position in the forward line to provide plenty of gut run and linking play.
The smooth mover is an elusive target and loves to take the game on with dash and dare.
Veteran forward Jake Melksham got his first taste of intraclub action for the pre-season, unloading a 65-metre bouncing bomb to make his mark on the afternoon.
Twenty-year-old key position prospect Luker Kentfield caught the eye as he donned a black facemask following an earlier pre-season clash, taking a handful of leaping contested grabs while rotating through the ruck and forward lines.
Max Heath did his part as his opponent in the centre bounces, doing what he needed to as the one recognised full-time ruckman taking the field.
Last year’s fourth-placed Rising Star finisher Harvey Langford showed his usual ball-winning prowess while rotating between the wing and centre bounces.
Kade Chandler was zippy up forward and demonstrated some neat ball use to set up his teammates, with the under-the-radar Demon doing his job with little fanfare.
Veteran defenders Jake Lever and Tom McDonald patrolled the back six and showed plenty of composure alongside their youthful teammates.
A replay of the clash will be made available via the club website later this evening.
YoPRO is feeding the Dees' pre-season progress.
BLUE 16.12 (108)
WHITE 5.13 (43)
GOALS
Blue: Jefferson, van Rooyen, Langdon 2, Windsor, Fritsch, Melksham, Laurie, VFL Top Up Players 6
White: Sharp 2, Mihocek, Windsor, VFL Top Up Player
