The full list of nominees for the 2023 AFL mid-season draft has been released and the Casey Demons have five players that have put themselves forward to potentially be added to an AFL team list for the second half of the 2023 AFL Premiership Season.
The most talked about of the bunch is midfielder George Grey.
“He is definitely AFL ready” Head Coach Taylor Whitford said to Casey Media, adding that “he has had a consistent impact on VFL games this season and has excellent habits for AFL standards”.
George has certainly been impressive for Casey this season and has made himself one of the first names of the team sheet every week after continually putting in consistent performances.
Grey has played all eight games for Casey this season, averaging 17 disposals per game with an average of four tackles per game to compliment this ball winning ability.
Grey is more than capable of drifting forward and has pitched in on the scoreboard with three goals, six behinds this season.
The tough inside midfielders’ best game was in round four against the Frankston Dolphins where Grey was able to rack up 23 disposals with six tackles and kicking 0.2 for the day.
George is consistently around at ball at stoppages and works extremely hard for his teammates and isn’t shy to put his own personal game to the side for the greater good of the team, a great quality to have.
The second player to have nominated for the draft is Paddy Cross.
Having unfortunately picked up an injury after round four, Paddy was certainly a name circling around the coaching group and supporters at the club.
On Paddy, Taylor Whitford said “He has an outstanding start to the year, and we are really hopeful he will get a chance in the future at AFL level”
Paddy is electric when he has possession of the ball, using his blistering pace and agile frame to weave his way out of contests and away from opponents.
Cross is easily able to break the lines of opposition defences and create excellent forward opportunities for Casey.
His best game this season was his latest against Frankston in Round four.
The Wingman had 15 disposals and three tackles, but he was most influential on the day for the efforts that don’t display on paper.
His defensive effort and pressure on the ball carrier was a highlight of the game and there were plenty of situations where his intensity and effort singlehandedly stopped Frankston from progressing the ball upfield.
Tall forward Ryan Valentine is also hoping to make his way onto an AFL list.
Competing up front with the likes of Ben Brown and Tom McDonald, Valentine has continued to shine and show the coaching staff that he should continue to receive opportunities in the Casey forward line.
Valentine has “proved his worth and flexibility this season, playing as a key forward and key back” Whitford said to Casey Media.
Ryan has played five games this season and is often an emergency when he has missed out on selection with AFL players dropping to VFL.
However, Valentine is very resilient and continues to take every opportunity he is given and tries to make the most of all situations he can.
His best game this season was in round three when Casey travelled to Essendon.
Alongside Josh Schache, Valentine slotted 3.0 for the game and played a pivotal role in the forward line that day to get the Demons over the line.
The next to out his hand up for selection is young defender, Finn Emile-Brennan.
The Melbourne Next-Generation Academy member made his debut for Casey just last weekend against North Melbourne and didn’t fail to impressive in his first outing.
Head Coach Taylor Whitford said that “Finn has lacked some opportunities with us this season through illness…he has amazing foot skills and makes great decisions when on the ball”
Finn’s best attribute is his kicking and he displayed that on Saturday as he wasn’t scared to possess the ball and find teammates in great positions to move the ball out of the defensive area.
Eight disposals on debut for a young defender is a great initial beginning with Casey and hopefully it can be the beginning of a great career in football if he does or doesn’t make his way onto an AFL list.
Last but certainly not least is versatile utility, Roan Steele.
Steele has played all but one game this season for Casey and similar to George Grey, has more than proved himself at VFL level.
Roan is able to play in any of the midfield positions and is capable of drifting forward when needed as well.
His best game for the season was the most recent against North Melbourne where he racked up 23 disposals and a goal.
Averaging almost 17 disposals a game, Roan Steele would be a valuable asset on any AFL list.
We wish all the boys the very best at the draft next Wednesday and we hope the players football careers will continue to thrive no matter the team colours they are wearing.
