Casey Demons (VFL)
Coach: Jade Rawlings
2017: The Demons finished fourth on the ladder under coach Justin Plapp (who has moved to Melbourne's AFL coaching staff), but lost to eventual grand finalist Richmond in the semi-finals.
System: Melbourne's alignment with Casey has been strengthened significantly in the last few seasons and the Demons have been big beneficiaries with three players (Declan Keilty, Tim Smith and Bayley Fritsch) drafted out of the VFL club in the last two seasons. With Rawlings – the Demons' defensive coach last year – in charge, Melbourne has a large say in how the players are managed and the positions they are played in. The style of football both clubs play is almost identical, which helps the Casey AFL-listed players play the 'Melbourne way' and readies them to be promoted to the top level when they deserve it.
History: In 2009, Melbourne aligned with VFL club, Casey Scorpions, entering a 30-year partnership. Prior to that, Melbourne had partnered Sandringham in the VFL from 2000-08, after the AFL reserves were abolished at the end of the 1999 season. The name change to Casey Demons ahead of the 2017 season was designed to improve the relationship between the clubs, with the men's and women's state league teams both playing under the name 'Demons'. - Ben Guthrie
Bayley Fritsch has made a seamless transition to Melbourne's AFL side after starring for Casey. Picture: AFL Photos 
