Caleb Serong Signs Long-Term Deal with Fremantle
Caleb Serong, a key player for the Fremantle Dockers, has signed a seven-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2034. This deal makes him one of the longest-contracted players in the AFL, alongside Kysaiah Pickett. The 25-year-old midfielder, who is set to represent Victoria in the State of Origin match in Perth, was previously due to enter free agency at the end of 2027. However, this new agreement ensures he remains with the Dockers for the foreseeable future.
Serong’s decision to commit to Fremantle highlights his confidence in the team and its coaching staff, particularly head coach Justin Longmuir. His performance last season was impressive, with an average of 27.4 disposals and 8.2 clearances per game across 24 matches. He is considered a crucial part of the Dockers’ plans as they aim for their first-ever premiership.
Several other key players have also re-signed with the club, including co-vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw (2031), Hayden Young (2033), Luke Jackson (2029), and Murphy Reid (2029). The Dockers are now focusing on securing the signature of captain Alex Pearce, whose contract expires next season. The Tasmanian forward is expected to attract interest from the new Adelaide club, which will join the competition in 2028.
Longmuir has led the Dockers to two finals appearances since taking charge in 2020. Despite a close loss in the 2023 elimination final against Gold Coast, the team remains optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season.
Essendon Appoints New CEO
Essendon has appointed Tim Roberts, the club’s vice president, as their new chief executive. This decision marks a significant shift for the Bombers, as Roberts becomes the first board member to take on the role of CEO. The club had been searching for a replacement for Craig Vozzo, who stepped down earlier this year.
Roberts brings extensive experience from the construction industry, where he has worked for over 30 years with WT Partnership. He has been involved in various aspects of the club, including the VFL program, the establishment of the AFLW team, and commercial operations. His appointment is seen as a move to ensure a smooth transition and continuity for the club.
Vozzo will remain with the Bombers in a consulting role, focusing on list management, recruiting, and salary cap strategy. Roberts will continue to serve on the board while taking on his new responsibilities as CEO. His appointment follows a series of changes at the top of the club, including the departure of previous CEO Craig Vozzo and president David Barham.
In his new role, Roberts aims to rebuild the club’s culture and strengthen its position as a competitive force in the AFL. He emphasized the importance of leadership and teamwork, stating that the club should be consistently competing for finals and premierships.
Jack Viney Faces Extended Absence
Jack Viney, a key midfielder for Melbourne, will undergo surgery on his Achilles injury and is expected to miss at least three months of the season. The 31-year-old player was initially hopeful that he could avoid surgery, but recent developments have forced him into the operating room.
Viney’s injury has significantly impacted the Demons’ midfield, which is already undergoing a major transformation following the trades of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, and Jack Steele. With Viney out of action, the team’s midfield will look very different from its usual setup.
The absence of Viney, along with Jake Bowey, who is recovering from a foot injury, means that younger players like Harvey Langford, Caleb Windsor, and Xavier Lindsay may get more opportunities this season. Trent Rivers and Kysaiah Pickett are also expected to play more prominent roles in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Steven May’s future at the club is uncertain due to personal issues that have affected his training. Jai Culley suffered a fractured arm during pre-season, adding to the challenges faced by the Demons.
The club has undergone several off-field changes, including the appointment of a new president, Steven Smith, and a new chief executive, Paul Guerra. They have also introduced a new executive football head, Ned Guy, and appointed Steven King as their new coach.
Key Players and Team Dynamics
With several key players either injured or traded, the Melbourne Demons are looking to rebuild their team for the upcoming season. The focus will be on developing young talent and ensuring that the team remains competitive.
The club’s new leadership is confident that the changes will lead to a stronger and more cohesive team. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Demons adapt to these changes and whether they can maintain their position as a top-tier team in the AFL.
