It takes a hardworking and talented player to immediately make a mark at VFL level. Currently playing consistently at the undefeated ladder-leading Casey Demons, Roan Steele is certainly all that and more in 2022.

If Casey coach Mark Corrigan hadn’t of decided to give Roan Steele a call last year, the emerging prospect may never have landed on the Demons’ list. Until Steele’s friend and now Casey teammate Luca Goonan told him that Corrigan wanted to call him, the midfielder/ forward didn’t have the Demons in his plans. Now Steele is making the most of his opportunity and proving doubters wrong after he was initially overlooked for NAB League sides when progressing through the ranks.

“November last year I remember being told that ‘Harry’ (Corrigan) wanted to call me,” Steele told Casey Media. “From that to where I am now, it’s definitely surprised me in terms of the games I’ve played and the impact I’ve had on such an amazing environment at Casey.

“I felt like I was unlucky not getting into the NAB League trials, so I’ve just been working hard at local level.”

Having played all of his footy at local club Frankston YCW, Steele never entered any radars as a reliable junior. But a stellar season at local level last year put him front and centre in Corrigan’s plans for 2022. Before Steele even knew it, he was down trialling at Casey Fields, before the Demons asked him to continue training with the VFL squad in the pre-season.

Steele says he feels incredibly fortunate for the opportunity. After putting in his best effort throughout the pre-season, Steele found out late on the eve before game day that he would be making his VFL debut in round two against Essendon.

The chaos of the news suited the calm and demure Steele to a tee.

“It was actually a funny time,” Steele said. “I found out really late on the Friday night before the game, so I didn’t have time to process it.

“I was thrown into the deep end which is what I like. My main goal was just to work hard and show everyone that I was willing to put in effort and learn, so to string a few games together now has been awesome.”

It hasn’t taken long for Steele to earn his teammates’ respect. Many established Casey names immediately mention the Frankston YCW hard worker as the one young player who has surprised them the most so far in 2022. Ever since Steele was a late in for the round two clash, he hasn’t left.

Having played in all eight games since for the Demons as they continue their undefeated start to the 2022 VFL season, Steele has quickly become an important cog in Casey’s success. He immediately caught eyes in just his third game at the level when he slotted three classy goals in a breakout display against Frankston.

After 10 matches this season, Steele has played nine of them and kicked seven goals to date, proving his ability to quickly slot in as a handy small forward and hard-working relief midfielder when required. Averaging just over 10 touches a game, he’s certainly played his part in Casey’s blistering beginning to 2022.

Steele says it’s all flown by, but he doesn’t regret any part of his crazy start to VFL footy.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Steele said. “I wouldn’t believe you if this time last year you’d tell me that I would play nine out of 10 VFL games so far.

“I’ve had a couple of good weeks and a couple not so good that I was quiet in, so I have to remind myself that I’ve only played half a season of VFL and that it won’t always be smooth sailing.”

Steele credits Corrigan as a levelling influence to the varied playing group. With some players being AFL-listed stars while others are emerging juniors like Steele, the Frankston YCW product says Corrigan has helped instil a solid routine in Steele’s footy life to protect him against riding the ups or downs too strongly.

But the small forward/ midfielder also credits the playing group for keeping all members of the squad level-headed after such a positive start to their VFL campaign.

“It’s a great environment,” Steele said. “Ever since the first night I was there it’s been so welcoming – ‘Moose’ (Jimmy Munro) and ‘Whitey’ (Mitch White) have been awesome in welcoming us younger players in.

“I love how everyone is so nice and asks how you are going off the field and don’t just worry about the on-field stuff.”

For many young footballers it can take years to adjust to the VFL level. But Steele’s lack of representative junior footy may have played in his favour, as his experience playing against older bodies in local footy as meant he has transitioned to senior level with ease.

Steele admits some parts were pretty natural due to his drive and motivation but adjusting to the heightened planning and pace in the VFL game has taken the most time to get used to.

“It was a step up but it hits you quickly,” Steele said. “The speed and professionalism of the whole VFL program probably suits me.

“I’m starting to feel comfortable. I think the first few weeks were about seeing how my strengths stacked up against big bodies and the past few games I’ve seen how I can impact and contribute to helping the side win some games.”

When evaluating his performance for the first half of 2022, Steele says he has learnt that his running capacity and work rate around the ground has become an advantage. When looking towards improving, Steele says he’s focusing on finishing off his hard work by developing his skills and bringing teammates into the game as well as hitting the scoreboard.

Yet there’s not much he can complain about when looking at where his skills have currently taken him. Last week Steele got to play his first VFL game on the MCG as Casey defeated Sydney by 39 points to take their win-loss record to 10-0. You can sense the wide grin on Steele’s face as he relives the day he recognised a fantasy.

“It’s any kids dream playing at the best stadium in the world,” Steele said. “It was surreal having friends and family come down to watch.

“It’s something I’ll never forget – it was great to have people there and soak it up with them.”

Many young players yearn for connections when they transition to big VFL clubs. When Steele first went to Casey Fields, he was lucky to have friend Luca Goonan there as a familiar face. But Steele says Corey Ellison and George Grey have been awesome teammates to get close with and learn from as they all mature as players and people. The young player admits that the environment is so enjoyable that training with the group on Tuesdays and Thursdays is “the best time of the week”.

Despite holding higher aspirations to one day play at the MCG more often at the highest level, Steele says he is rapt plying his trade and developing at Casey Fields for the rest of 2022.

“The goal down the line is hopefully getting picked up by an AFL club,” Steele said. “But I’m currently focused on trying to play as many games as possible and become a consistent contributor.

“I’m taking it week by week and hopefully I can play my part in helping the Demons win. I love playing every week and getting into that routine with Casey.”