There aren’t many players loved more at Casey than George Grey. Since debuting in 2021, the small forward and midfielder has shown his ability to become a valued member of the Demons VFL side.

 Not many players can boast the junior career that George Grey had.

The cousin of former Carlton defender Michael Jamieson won six consecutive premierships as a youngster at Beaumaris Junior Football Club, before winning a hattrick of flags with St Bede’s in school footy.

But it all changed for the small forward when he got to NAB League side the Sandringham Dragons.

A spate of injuries, illness and inconsistent form meant Grey could only watch on from his couch during the lockdown months of 2020 as former teammates and opponents got drafted while he didn’t.

“I remember sitting back in lockdown in 2020 and seeing people who I played against or with getting drafted,” Grey told Casey Media. “I thought to myself that I wasn’t going to let one year of bad luck in a top age junior side dictate my journey.

“I don’t think I could go on past my footy career without giving it a proper shot. I just really wanted to prove to myself I was good enough and at least leave no stones unturned.”

It’s this motivation that has fuelled Grey as he keeps pushing to make his dream of playing AFL footy come true. Grey’s journey took a turn after 2020, with the crafty forward and midfielder landing at Casey Fields. He debuted during 2021 in his first year for the Demons and hasn’t looked back.

Grey has averaged more than 11 disposals a game so far in 2022 and has constantly hit the scoreboard too, registering three majors this VFL season as his side sits on top of the ladder undefeated.

Although it may not have been the prized destination that Grey originally wanted to land at when he finished his junior footy, Grey said he is grateful to be at Casey currently.

“The culture at Casey doesn’t change, it’s just so good,” he said. 

“We’ve got a great bunch of people here. Now in my second year, a few of my teammates have become my best mates and we have a really good winning-orientated culture which is nice to be part of.”

Grey cites young tall defender Corey Ellison as one such teammate who he has forged a strong bond with, saying the pair constantly push each other to improve while training.

It was this bond that made the cancellation of the back half of last year’s VFL season so difficult to fathom. Instead of getting a shot at capturing an elusive VFL premiership, Grey felt like he missed out on a chance to experience glory with some of his best mates.

“It was so disappointing to miss out last year, it was a case of should’ve, would’ve, could’ve,” Grey said. “You get so much experience playing at the back end of seasons, especially in senior footy.

“It happened to thousands of other people last year though, so it’s not just about me. It happens to everyone so I can’t complain about it.”

But Grey only took the opportunity to improve himself further. The nifty forward recalls heading down to the training group The Speed Project and putting in an “extra pre pre-season”. While working with his Casey teammates, they all had one goal on their lips.

“There were lots of talks during the pre-season while working out about how winning a premiership at Casey would be awesome,” Grey said.

Yet Grey didn’t only focus on his physical capabilities during the extended off-season. The young star has quickly become a leader at Casey. Grey said he put in an added focus on welcoming the young players coming through the gates at Casey Fields to make them feel a part of a successful club.

“I did that because I have so much respect for these young players due to the amount of commitment they immediately put into the program,” he said. “Despite not everyone getting a game each week I try to reach out and be a leader for them and check in on them.

“I really want them to get the best out of themselves because I know what it’s like to be there and feel lost. I just have so much respect for them for showing up every week whether they are in or out of the side.”

When considering the new wave of Demons now pulling on the red and blue, Grey pointed to the likes of Roan Steele as players who have caught his eye.

“He’s fit in with the professionalism that the VFL demands, although I had no clue where he came from before Casey,” Grey said. “Miles Shepherd has only played one game yet he’s impressed me, while Tommy McRae and Ryan Koo have so much potential in them that I’m excited to see how they all play in the back half of this season.”

But the young players aren’t the only ones constantly striving to improve. Grey said he now feels like he’s worked to a point where he understands his role better and can help others achieve their best for the Demons. Grey has constantly refined his craft and can now pit his skills against elite-level players.

“As VFL players we don’t get as much time as we want to compete against AFL players,” Grey said. 

“So every moment we get with them I try to get the best out of myself.”

What ultimately makes Grey fall in love with Casey is the environment. He may be destined for higher honours in the years to come, but the Demons cult hero immediately noticed and cherished the lack of nerves that filter around Casey Fields. Wherever he goes in his footy career, Grey will remember it fondly.

“The vibe is so confident and calm at Casey, everyone knows their role and what to do and they understand the system,” Grey said. “We know that if we play our role and play to the system then more likely than not, we’ll win most games.

“The coaches have drilled us well and helped us execute our roles. We just play the system now. When we play our roles, we tend to win and enjoy it.”