THE CASEY Demons will be running out under Sam Radford in 2020, after the senior coach took the reins midway through last season.
And after a big few months of preparation, he is confident his side is well placed for the year ahead.
“It’s been a great pre-season to date and there is much excitement at the club,” Radford told Melbourne Media.
“One of the benefits of 2019 was that 24 Casey-listed players experienced senior VFL football.
“The club is expecting that many of these players will continue to develop into very good VFL players.”
At the end of last season, the Dees saw a number of players part ways with the club, which has created opportunities for some fresh young talent to join the list.
“We had some significant retirements from 2019 with Mitch Gent, Luke Tynan and Dylan Collis all retiring after fine VFL careers,” Radford said.
“We will also miss the contributions from Will Collis and Will Stephenson who will miss the season with injury.
“This has allowed us to bring plenty of young talent into the club for the 2020 season.
“Gippsland Power players Ryan Sparkes, Riley Baldi, Tye Hourigan and Josh Smith have all made an immediate impact at our club.
“Luca Goonan from the Stingrays is looking like a senior footballer and we have brought in three talented players from Sandringham Dragons – Andrew Courtney, Lachy Lamble and George Grey.
“This injection of youth is exciting for this season and the years to come.”
The Dees have also landed former Eagle Kurt Mutimer who will be a great addition to the side.
He will join a strong senior list, with a leadership group that Radford is confident can take the club to great heights.
“Mitch White will captain our club again and will be supported by Jimmy Munro and Jack Hutchins,” he said.
“As a leadership group, they all had outstanding seasons both on and off the field.
“We look forward to watching these guys lead from the front again.”
In another positive move for the club, Casey Fields is set for a major upgrade, with on-going works set to transform the facilities for the men’s and women’s team.
“There has been plenty of change at Casey over the summer,” Radford said.
“Our facilities are currently being transferred into what will become one of the best facilities in the VFL.”
These changes leave the Casey Demons in a strong position to attack their 2020 campaign.
