Casey Scorpions officially change name to Casey Demons in alignment with Melbourne

IT’S official, the Scorpions are now Demons with Casey changing its name and jumper to strengthen its alignment with AFL club Melbourne.

Tim Smith gets hugged by Clayton Oliver. Picture: Michael Klein

IT’S official, the Scorpions are now Demons.

The name change is intended to “strengthen” the partnership between AFL club Melbourne and VFL affiliate Casey.

Casey will also adopt Melbourne’s traditional red and blue guernsey from 2018.

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Formerly known as Springvale, the club changed its name to Casey in 2006 and aligned itself with Melbourne in 2009.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the strengthened relationship was a positive for both clubs.

“We have worked really closely with Casey to improve the football program year-on-year, which is evident by the improved results, both as a collective and at the individual level,” Mahoney told the club’s website.

Oscar McInerney (left) was rookie listed by Brisbane.

“The team reached the VFL Grand Final for the first time in the alignment history and through our development programs, produced three AFL players via the 2016 Rookie Draft.

“This shows how strong the partnership already is and we think this move to align our brand with the Casey region will significantly strengthen the partnership both on and off the field.”

Casey-listed players Tim Smith and Declan Keilty were drafted by Melbourne while Oscar McInerney was picked up by Brisbane.

Mahoney said Casey would continue to pay tribute to Springvale’s history on the new jumper and revealed plans to wear a heritage jumper during 2017.

“We have been working very closely with the Casey Scorpions over the years and we are very appreciative of the Casey Scorpions board’s decision to agree to this change and we look forward to working more closely together this season,” Mahoney said.

The Demons have a long-term agreement with the City of Casey until 2038.

Springvale Scorpions in action against Tasmania in the VFL in 2005.

Originally published as Casey Scorpions officially change name to Casey Demons in alignment with Melbourne