WITH 2025 officially underway, eyes are beginning to turn to AFL’s Round 1 in just 57 days.  

The Dees have finished their first full week back on the track, with the group returning from the Christmas break in tip-top shape. The team is yet to undertake formal intra-club matches, but there’s been plenty of opportunities for players to get among the game-like action with high-intensity, full-ground drills.   

While it’s almost unfair to single anyone out, a few Demons have caught the eye of Melbourne Media in how they’re attacking the pre-season. 

Kicking things off are new recruits Aidan Johnson and Tom Campbell. Johnson has shown his strength in aerial contests, while Campbell’s experience in the ruck has been crucial, holding down the fort alongside Will Verrall, with Max Gawn on a modified program due to injury.  

Harvey Langford, who was selected by the Demons with pick No.6, has quickly made an impression. His power and contest work has been a standout, as he continues to showcase his well-rounded talent.  
 
Fellow draftee Xavier Lindsay has finally had the chance to display his flair, integrating into full training following a start in the rehab group. Lindsay’s elite kicking has been particularly notable, his clean skills looking beyond his years. 

Speedster Harry Sharp has hit the ground running, dominating recent time trials with his elite endurance, while Category B rookie and small forward Ricky Mentha Jnr has been putting in the work since becoming a Demon last November. 

While the youth have been leaving an impact on the track, so too have some of the more experienced Demons.  

Jack Viney, as expected, has been hard at it through the midfield, with his brute competitiveness at its usual best, while Tom McDonald has looked sharp down back in what is his 15th pre-season at the top level. Jack Billings has also been applying unrelenting pressure on the wing. 

Jacob van Rooyen, in his fourth pre-season, has continued his steady rise, the 21-year-old adding further strength and leadership to his skillset.   

Spending some time running through the midfield, Kysaiah Pickett’s quick skills and explosive energy have been a highlight, while also proving dangerous inside 50, in true Pickett fashion.  

And Caleb Windsor in just his second year, seems to have proven his potential is boundless, the 19-year-old’s speed and running capacity moving to a whole new level.  

Dees fans can come see the action in person next week, with two open trainings across Monday and Wednesday. For more details, click here.