IN THREE terms at Casey Fields, the Demons have put in their first test against opposition for the 2026 VFL pre-season.
After four quarters of AFL, the VFL sides returned to the field for a practice match on Friday.
Among Casey’s VFL players were 10 AFL-listed Demons including Jake Melksham, Christian Salem, Harry Sharp, Ricky Mentha Jnr, Oscar Berry, Xavier Taylor, Luker Kentfield, Tom Matthews and Riley Onley.
It was a tight contest for the duration of the three terms, with momentum swings creating a number of lead changes throughout.
The Demons saw signs of impressive plays across the ground as they look to build further connection among the group in the lead up to Round 1.
Kentfield featured in the first term having put in a solid performance during the previous AFL game, getting an early call-up following Brody Mihocek’s sidelining with concussion.
During the earlier AFL match, Kentfield kicked three goals while supporting Max Heath in the ruck. It would be fair to assume that after that type of display, he was done for the day, but the youngster pushed through to the VFL match, adding another goal to his tally.
Young Demon Matthews showed moments of excitement, the 18-year-old kicking two goals and wowing the crowd with a spectacular speccy that saw him sit atop a pack of players.
Fellow draftee Riley Onley got among the goal-kicking action, booting a whopping score from the arc, while VFL-listed Demons Brayden Laplanche and Tairon Ah-Mu impressed with two goals apiece.
Casey will now turn its focus to next week’s second practice match against Richmond, taking place at Casey Fields on Saturday 28 February at 11am.
CASEY DEMONS 5.1 7.2 12.5 (77)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.2. 8.7 11.12 (78)
GOALS
Casey Demons: 2 Matthews, Laplanche, Ah-Mu, 1 Bowden, Cross, Cheffers, Sharp, Onley, Kentfield
