As the Casey Demons gear up for another thrilling season, we are excited to announce a number of new player signings, re-signings, and fresh faces to watch out for. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the club is looking forward to building on last year’s successes and taking the next step forward. Here's a rundown of the latest additions to the team:

New Players

• Mitch Hardie (Geelong)
  A strong addition to our midfield, Mitch Hardie comes to us from Geelong, having spent the past two years on their AFL list. Known for his strength around stoppages and in the contest, Mitch is an inside midfielder who can also hit the scoreboard when needed. His vast experience will bring leadership and resilience to the club, making him a key figure in our midfield for the 2024 season.

• Deakyn Smith (North Melbourne VFL)
  Returning to the club, Deakyn Smith is back after an outstanding 2023 season where he won the Casey Demons Best and Fairest (B&F) award. A running half-back with the ability to score and contribute offensively, Deakyn is also a formidable one-on-one player. His strong understanding of the club and its culture will no doubt make him an essential player for our defensive line and beyond. We welcome Deakyn back with open arms, and his leadership will be vital in the upcoming season.

• Jai Culley (West Coast Eagles)
  A local talent hailing from Langwarrin, Jai Culley joins us after being selected as the first pick in the 2022 mid-season draft by West Coast. Standing at 194cm, Jai is a powerful inside midfielder with excellent stoppage skills and the ability to impact the scoreboard, as demonstrated when he kicked 4 goals in round 6 of the 2023 AFL season. His physical presence in the midfield and his knack for getting the ball in key moments will be an asset to our squad.

• Riley Bonner (St Kilda via Port Adelaide)
  Riley Bonner arrives with an extensive AFL background, having spent 9 years in the AFL system, primarily with Port Adelaide before moving to St Kilda. Known as a rebounding defender, Riley played 20 AFL games last year and brings a wealth of experience to the club. His exceptional kicking ability and football IQ will be invaluable in providing drive off the backline.

Re-signings

• Paddy Cross
  We are thrilled to announce the re-signing of Paddy Cross, the versatile wingman who can also play midfield and contribute on the scoreboard. After a challenging period of injuries, Paddy is poised for a fresh start this season, and if he enjoys an injury-free pre-season, he could be like a new recruit for the club. His run and carry will be essential to our midfield and wing rotations.

• Kai Windsor
  After an exceptional 2023 season, Kai Windsor has re-signed with the club for the 2025 season. Having played 15 games last year, Kai showed immense growth, especially after taking a break from football in the previous two years. Primarily operating on the half-forward line, Kai’s continued development at the VFL level will be a critical factor in the team’s success. We are excited to see him continue to flourish in the upcoming season.

New Young Players to Watch

• Patrick Ireland
  Patrick Ireland is one to watch for the future, having kicked an impressive 111 goals for Buln Buln in the Ellinbank & District League. Standing at 193cm, Patrick is a mid-sized forward with a knack for finding the ball both on the ground and in the air. His strong hands and great lead, paired with his excellent goal sense, make him a player to watch as he transitions into the higher levels of the game.

• Tyson Sruk
  Tyson Sruk joins the Demons after spending time on Carlton's VFL list. Though he didn’t play a VFL game in 2024, Tyson’s impressive performances in the Coates League Grand Final, where he was named Best on Ground, show his potential. A local Rowville player, Tyson is strong across half-back or in midfield and will add depth to the club’s defensive and midfield rotations.

• Chance Doultree
  A new recruit from Traralgon in the Gippsland League, Chance Doultree brings a wealth of experience from higher-grade football, with previous stints at Footscray VFL and Norwood SANFL. A speedy half-forward, Chance averaged 23 possessions per game in Traralgon’s premiership season, combining quick pace with a strong sense of goal. We look forward to seeing Chance make an impact on the scoreboard and in forward pressure situations.

Looking Forward

With these exciting new additions, re-signings, and young stars, the Casey Demons are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. We are eager to see how the fresh talent integrates with the club’s existing squad and what they will bring to the table. The club’s future is bright, and with a mixture of experienced players and dynamic newcomers, we can’t wait for what’s to come.

Stay tuned for more updates.