NICKNAME: DEMONS HOME GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE 2025 FINISH: 10TH (3-15)
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PLAYER CHANGES
INS: Angus Hicks (Werribee), Brodie Newman (Aberfeldie), Jordan Haynes (Heathmont), Matt Casey (Yarrawonga), Tim Looby (Strathmerton), Michael Barlow (North Warrnambool), Leigh Wellington, Kallyun Sanders, Brodie Sanders, Nathan Turner (Murchison-Toolamba), Connor Hayes (Dookie), Stuart Horner (Box Hill VFL), Zavier Maher (SANFL)
In a stacked field, Brodie Newman has stood out during pre-season. The ex-Calder Cannon, Glenelg premiership player, and last year’s Essendon District Football League Team of the Year full back has earned high praise from his coaches for his on and off-field leadership, and as a key defender who can get plenty of the footy, he’ll be a popular one to watch for the Dees faithful.
COACHES CORNER / TRENT FREER
What’s the biggest focus for the group in 2026?
Obviously, our focus this year is to be super competitive and really learn how to win games of football.
What will supporters notice about this group?
We’ve got some bigger body players now; we’re not going to be that young side where we’re getting into positions where we can compete in games but get outworked or out-strengthened.
What will be the side’s biggest strength?
We’ve really focused on leadership in our recruiting; we have the likes of Brodie Newman, Matt Casey, Hicksy (Gus Hicks) and Jordan Haynes, who have all come with leadership credentials.
What still needs the most work?
We do have a young group still. We don’t show away from that, but we don’t look at it like a weakness any more. We just want to focus on it and use youth in our favour.
What does success look like for this group in 2026?
We’ve come with a real open attitude of ‘we’ll go as far as we’re willing to push’. We definitely want to win more than we lose, and I’d love to finish in the finals bracket for sure.
PULL QUOTE
We’re not afraid of the challenge any more - We’re really embracing it and want to grab it and run with it.
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