VFL: String of local hopes training at Casey Demons, including MPNFL trio

Stonecats prospect Roan Steele is a standout among the hopefuls on the training track with the VFL Demons.

Roan Steele takes a kick for Frankston YCW last year. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston YCW’s young man of Steele is poised to land a VFL contract with Casey Demons.

Roan Steele, 20, won the Stonecats’ best and fairest last year in his first season of senior football.

It prompted interest from the Demons, who invited him to training and have been impressed by everything he has shown.

Pen hasn’t hit paper but he’ll be added to Casey’s squad for the 2022 season.

“He’s got an elite tank. He’s a smart player, high footy IQ, and he’ll certainly be on our list,’’ Casey Demons coach Marc Corrigan said.

Steele went through the YCW juniors and Under 18 team, and kicked 24 goals from 12 matches for the senior side last year.

He said he was happy to be contacted by Casey and was ready for a tilt at the VFL.

The Demons have retained key players Mitch White, James Munro and Tom Freeman, as well as George Grey, Riley Baldi, Aidan Quigley, Josh Smith, Matt Johnson, Jarryd Baker, Jack Bell, Luca Goonan, Miles Shepherd, Harvey Neocleous and Corey Ellison.

Former GWS defender and Dandenong Stingray Matt Buntine is Casey’s most notable recruit.

He had his share of injuries but the 28-year-old played 67 matches for the Giants after debuting in 2012.

“He’ll be important, not just from a playing perspective but in terms of what he brings in experience and leadership,’’ Corrigan said.

“He’s everything you want in a VFL senior player. He’s been brilliant for the group. He sets standards. Can’t speak more highly of him.’’

Bryce Milford at the Stingrays in 2019.

Former Dandenong Stingrays Bryce Milford, Ryan Koo Kwet and Kobi George, big Billy Bundle from Gippsland Power, and Xavier College pair Hayden Woodhouse and Tommy McRae are training with the Demons, as are Langwarrin’s Zach Andrewartha, Rowville’s Tyler Edwards, Cranbourne pair Nick Russo and Jake Carosella and Pearcedale’s Luke Daniel.

Daniel kicked 42 goals from 13 matches for the Dales last year.

Former skipper Jack Hutchins, Zac Foot, Cory Stockdale, Jaxon Briggs, Nathan Heath, Lachie Modica, Tom McCaffrey, Mitch Lewis, Cory Machaya, Andrew Courtney, Jaxon Stuart, Nick Lowden and Ryan Sparkes have moved on.

Modica (Port Melbourne) and McCaffrey (Werribee) will continue their VFL careers elsewhere.

Corrigan said he was pleased with how the squad was shaping up.

“Where we sit with our core group, we’re really happy with that, and we’ve added some bits and pieces while also trying to develop some young talent,’’ he said.