• A bit of a deflating loss, but the Hawks had finals to play for, and we... didn't. However, a really good game from our boy.

• 2 goals, 6 marks (equal most of any Demon), 6 inside 50s (equal most of any Demon), and 6 score involvements (the most of any Demon).

• Using Wheelo Ratings by Andrew Whelan, Roo had the highest rated quarter (Q4) of ANY player, any quarter, across all AFL games this round!

Photo credit: Josh Chadwick / Getty Images via AFL Photos

• Well footy was a lot more fun this week, and as WA-based demons not much brings us more joy than beating the Eagles, no matter how lowly they are.

• Roo kicked two goals, including his first from a VERY INTENTIONAL Fritta pass :) Video here - Think Trac's face says it all!

• JvR registered 8 score involvements (8) - behind only Koz.

• As always, his game is not just aerial - he had 4 tackles, including 3 inside the forward 50.

Photo credit: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images via AFL Photos

• Another close loss to the Blues is it...

• It's good to see Roo and Jeffo being given the game time to develop and work on their synergy together as our two tall forwards.

• JvR was actively involved in this game, having 7 score involvements, the third highest of any Demon. Also took five marks (two contested) - great to see his marking confidence back!

Photo credit: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images via AFL Photos

• Congratulations on playing your 50th AFL game Jacob.

• The JvR Appreciation Society has enjoyed following your journey at the Dees from the day you were drafted, so this milestone is worth celebrating as you tick it off as part of your long AFL career. We can't wait to cheer on many future milestones as well x

• Roo kicked two goals and took a couple of great grabs. One mark early in the second quarter was a high rising, contested pack mark that reminded you just how good at footy this kid is.

• This video shows JvR's second goal - no goal kicking issues with our boy!

• Roo had 5 inside 50s, second only to Koz out of all Demon players.

• With the finals race over for 2025, hopefully some our young forwards are allowed to settle into the team and positions to work together on their connection - feels like a good investment for the future.

Photo credit: James Elsby / AFL Photos

• One day we will kick straight at goal but it was not this day (again).

• If only the rest of our players were as accurate as our boy, who kicked 2.0 and went at 88% disposal efficiency.

• Also want to note that JvR had 4 tackles, the equal third most of any Demon (the other Demon tackling machines were all midfielders or medium defenders, not tall forwards).

• We are not playing badly, just need to improve the delivery into the forward line. One of the AFL shows had some stats showing that we have players who get lots of possessions - but that our biggest possession winners are the ones with the lowest disposal efficiency. 

• Hope Roo gets a nice break over the bye week, then bring on the second half of the season. Would really like to see our forward line settle and be given a chance with stability and better entries. Next AFL game will be Roo's 50th !!!

Photo credit: Sarah Reed / AFL Photos

• Another massive win for Casey and another major contribution to the win from JvR.

• 5 inside-50s, the equal second highest of any player from either side.

• 2 tackles inside 50, the equal best of any player on the ground.

• 17 disposals

• 8 marks, the equal highest of any player.

• Kicked 2.2. Hopefully the confidence is building and he's back playing AFL soon ❤️.

Photo credit: Casey Demons social media

• Inaccurate goal kicking was Casey's downfall.

• First half in particular was great from Roo and hopefully a confidence builder for him.

• He was really active, taking marks not just in the forward line but involving himself in the play up the ground also.

• Roo took 6 marks, and a kicked a lovely goal.

Photo credit: Casey Demons social media

• Roo's confidence is back!

• Kicked 5 goals and would have kicked a certain sixth except for one of his team mates getting a 50 metre penalty turned into a  reverse free kick.

• Led, took pack marks, and was active on the ground - the complete game.

• 5 score involvements.

• Two excellent, in a typical Roo way, contested marks.

• Played on Jacob Koschitzke, who has played more than 50 AFL games, and clearly won the battle of the AFL standard Jacob's!

Photo credit: The DeeBrief https://x.com/The_DeeBrief 

• 0-5. You can see they are trying their hearts out, especially our younger players like Roo, but it is just not clicking on the field yet.

• The good bits:

Disposal efficiency = 86%

9 hit outs providing excellent support to Gawny

Photo credit: Sarah Reed / AFL Photos

• Our forward line is yet to click this season, but with both Koz and The Duke back next week, it is hoped that our system of forward entries will improve with a bit more pace and dare in the team - which will make life easier for our tall forwards.

• Roo had 4 score involvements, and his usual excellent disposal efficiency - 86%.

• He kicked one goal and also had a goal assist.

Photo credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images va AFL Photos

• A very wet and slippery day at the G was not great conditions for our tall forwards.

• Despite losing by a few points, it was actually an exciting game for us - seeing our six new players fit in and immediately contribute, and we were able to stick with the very good Giants for nearly the whole game.

• Aiden Johnson  and Matt Jefferson look like they will be good forward line buddies for Roo. AJ being the big body up forward, and taking the second ruck grunt work off Roo will free our boy up over the season. Along with Disco, a very exciting and very young mix - and that's just the talls.

• Got your 2025 Roo badge on your scarf yet? You can order them from Sporting Souvenirs