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VFL 2019: Coldstream’s Darcy Fritsch following in the steps of his brother Bayley, joining Casey Demons

There’s another Fritsch coming through at Casey, with Bayley’s brother Darcy joining the VFL Demons. And he’s earning good notices from coach Jade Rawlings.

Bayley Fritsch playing for Casey Demons, from where Melbourne drafted him at the end of the 2017 season.
Bayley Fritsch playing for Casey Demons, from where Melbourne drafted him at the end of the 2017 season.

IT’S early days for Darcy Fritsch, but Casey coach Jade Rawlings likes what he sees in the young forward.

Fritsch, 20, is following the path of his older brother Bayley, making the move from Coldstream in the Eastern Football League to the VFL Demons.

After an honour-filled 2017, Bayley made a resounding rise to the AFL last year, playing 22 matches for Melbourne.

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“He’s been one of the standouts throughout the summer for us,’’ Rawlings said of Darcy Fritsch.

“He’s different to his brother. He’s 6’4. He’s probably got a greater physical presence through his height and his size than Bayley.

“He’s played Div 4 in Eastern district at Coldstream but he didn’t play for about four years with a back injury, which ironically Bayley went through as well.

“I don’t think he’s missed a session, his attitude is first-class and he’s really improving. He’s someone we might be able to give a chance to early in the season if we can.’’

Rawlings said Bayley alerted him to his brother’s ability and desire to play at VFL level.

“He’s a marking type. He’s knows how to move around the footy field, similar to his brother,’’ he said.

“He’s got good decision-making skills and he’s really improved his conditioning through the summer, had a major shift in his body shape since he came to us. That’s a reflection of him committing to the program for the past three months.’’

The brother of another AFL Demon will also be with Casey Demons this year, with Jack Harmes, James’s sibling, to be placed on the train-on list.

He played with the Dandenong Stingrays last year.

Rawlings said the 19-year-old hardly trained before Christmas after having his appendix removed.

Casey Demons newcomer Darcy Fritsch
Casey Demons newcomer Darcy Fritsch

“What we were trying to make a decision on was, we haven’t seen much of him, do we like what we see and is there is a bit of the Harmes trait where they come on a bit later,’’ Rawlings said.

“He’s disciplined, he’s hard working and he’s picked things up reasonably quickly.’’

Continuing a brotherly pre-season theme at Casey Fields, the Demons have also picked up Heath Briggs, the brother of midfielder Jaxon.

He won Haileybury College’s best and fairest and with the Stingrays last year.

Rawlings said Briggs shaped as a good option as a 23rd player.

The Demons have regained Dylan and Will Collis, Dylan somewhat surprisingly given he spent all of last year at Balwyn after enjoying a good run at VFL level in previous years.

“He had a few clashes with the coach at times!’’ Rawlings said.

“That’s why I admire him more. The weak of mind would have left but he wanted to keep having a go and he’s really flourished over the summer.’’

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vfl-2019-coldstreams-darcy-fritsch-following-in-the-steps-of-his-brother-bayley-joining-casey-demons/news-story/99b8699e4e43e3599698b15896d87e13